Mental health is important but not much attention has been given to men’s mental health.
This modern era still harbours a stigma towards men with mental health.
These men do not seek help from those closest to them and from professional services because of the way society programs men to behave, leaving those vulnerable to quietly bottle their feelings and emotions, while women confide in others for support.
In doing so, men become susceptible to committing suicide.
Some of the causes for the recent rise in suicides, according to Empower Pacific, are relationship issues, unemployment, stress and anxiety.
Topics revolving around the mental health of men are not taboo but one that needs more discussions with friends and family.
According to Empower Pacific statistics, there is a ratio of 20 per cent males compared with a staggering 80 per cent of females that have accessed mental health and psychosocial support services.
Empower Pacific CEO Patrick Morgam said stigmatisation associated with men’s mental health was still evident.
“Mental health stigma and discrimination can make men struggle with mental health issues, they feel ashamed and helpless, thus preventing them from seeking help,” Mr Morgam said.
“It is also imbedded in our culture, traditions and beliefs where it is heavily associated with gender stereotyping.”
Mr Morgam said promoting a healthy mindset for men would bring about a safe place where they could share their feelings without being judged by society.
“There is definitely a need to create that safe place in order to assist men in having the courage to seek mental health and psychosocial support services for better mental health.
“Men are to be encouraged and accepted as suffering from mental illness and having the right to access mental health services, allowing them not to handle stringent issues of life alone and suffer in silence.
“There needs to be more advocacies in terms of the wellbeing of men’s mental health.”
Mr Morgam said more men were coming forward which is a good sign in the change of mindset and behaviour.
“There has been a consistent number of men calling the Empower Pacific helpline and this increase is due to the fact that men feel more comfortable and are provided a safe and confidential space when calling in.”
Everyone has a responsibility to check on their friends and family who might be putting on a smiling face but who in reality are going through problems that could eventually result in them giving up on life.
Empower Pacific operates a 24/7 toll free counselling help line 5626 that can be accessed by the public during time of need through both Vodafone and Digicel platforms.
