The month of June is dedicated to Men’s mental health internationally; for too long, mental health has been a topic shrouded in stigma, particularly for men. Society has imposed unrealistic expectations on men — to be strong, stoic, and unyielding in the face of adversity. This outdated notion not only ignores the complexity of human emotions but also creates a barrier for men to seek the support they desperately need.

Statistics paint a stark picture of the mental health landscape among men in Rwanda. According to a survey conducted by the Rwanda Biomedical Centre in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022, it was found that:

Depression affects a significant portion of Rwandan men, with approximately 10% of men reporting symptoms consistent with a major depressive episode. This figure is comparable to global averages but may be underreported due to cultural stigma and a lack of awareness about mental health issues.

Suicide is a tragic outcome of untreated mental illness, and unfortunately, it’s not uncommon among Rwandan men. The same survey revealed that suicide rates among men are alarmingly high, with an estimated 14.5 suicides per 100,000 men annually. This rate underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to prevent loss of life and alleviate suffering.

Men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women, and they are at a higher risk of suicide. Why? Because admitting vulnerability is often equated with weakness in our culture. But we are here to tell you that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness.

Men, like anyone else, experience a range of emotions — sadness, grief, anxiety, fear, and more. And it’s okay to feel these emotions. It’s okay to not be okay. What’s not okay is suffering in silence when help is available.

We need to break down the barriers that prevent men from seeking help. This starts with fostering open conversations about men's mental health, challenging harmful stereotypes, and creating safe spaces where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions without judgment.

As a community, we must support initiatives that promote mental well-being among men, whether it's through awareness campaigns, support groups, or access to affordable mental health services. We must also encourage healthcare providers to recognises and address the unique challenges that men face in seeking help for their mental health.

But change doesn’t happen overnight. It requires collective effort and unwavering commitment. So, let’s stand together to dismantle the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and create a world where every man feels empowered to prioritise his mental well-being.

Addressing the mental health needs of men in Rwanda requires multifaceted approaches that address both individual and systemic factors. Here are some key strategies that can help turn the tide:

Destigmatising mental health: Efforts to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health must be intensified, particularly targeting men and challenging harmful stereotypes of masculinity. Mental health educational campaigns and culturally sensitive messaging can all play a role in shifting societal attitudes toward men’s mental health. This includes workshops and training on self-care and leveraging technology for remote support and wide reach.

Promoting peer support: Peer support networks can be powerful vehicles for men to connect with others who may be experiencing similar struggles. Peer-led support groups, online forums, and community-based initiatives can provide safe spaces for men to share their experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement and inspiration from those who have experienced and overcome mental health challenges.

Fostering resilience: Building resilience is essential for men to navigate life’s challenges and maintain their mental well-being. This involves equipping men with coping skills, stress management techniques, and healthy outlets for expression, such as sports, art, or hobbies.

Remember, seeking support is not a sign of weakness. Let's break the silence and start the conversation today.

The author is a mental health advocate, co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer of Solid Minds, a private, independent outpatient mental health clinic in Kigali, licensed by Rwanda’s Ministry of Health.

Solid Minds provides evidence-based psychological services to individuals, couples, families, and children. Solid Minds services also include employee assistance programs, capacity bridging, consultation, training, and supervision, as well as supporting wellness programs within university systems in Rwanda and beyond.