By Evans Matthews
In recent years, mental health has gradually become part of the global conversation about wellness, but in Nigeria, particularly among men, it remains a deeply stigmatized and neglected issue. While men are expected to be strong, stoic, and unyielding in the face of adversity, these very cultural ideals often become a cage, trapping countless Nigerian men in silence, suffering, and shame.
This article explores the complex nature of mental health stigma among Nigerian men—its cultural roots, societal consequences, and the urgent need for reform in both policy and perception.
Understanding Mental Health Stigma in Nigeria
Mental health stigma in Nigeria is fueled by a combination of cultural beliefs, religious interpretations, gender expectations, and a lack of awareness. For men, this stigma is even more intense, as traditional norms of masculinity portray emotional vulnerability as a sign of weakness.
Stigma can be external—in the form of discrimination or mockery by others—or internal, where men begin to see themselves as failures for experiencing depression, anxiety, or other psychological challenges. In both cases, the impact is devastating.
A 2021 study published by the Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry found that over 65% of Nigerian men with symptoms of common mental disorders did not seek help due to fear of social judgment or emasculation (Afolabi et al., 2021).
Cultural and Gender Norms: The “Man Must Be Tough” Mentality
In Nigerian society, a man is expected to be the provider, protector, and pillar of strength in his family and community. From a young age, boys are taught not to cry, not to complain, and to “man up” even in the face of deep emotional or psychological pain.
This cultural expectation is deeply embedded in phrases like:
“You be man, hold yourself.”
“Real men don’t break down.”
“A man’s tears are a sign of weakness.”
Such attitudes create an environment where emotional repression becomes normalized. Men who dare to speak out about their mental health challenges are often dismissed as “lazy,” “weak,” or “spiritually attacked.” This leads many to hide their pain, leading to a crisis of invisibility—suffering in silence with no access to care.
Religious Interpretations and Misdiagnosis
In many Nigerian communities, mental health issues are attributed to spiritual attacks, demonic possession, or ancestral curses. Rather than seeking professional help, families often take mentally ill individuals—especially men—to spiritual leaders for exorcism, fasting, or prayer retreats.
While faith and spiritual support can be an important source of comfort, these approaches alone are often insufficient and delay or completely replace proper psychiatric treatment. The result is prolonged suffering, isolation, and in extreme cases, death.
Societal Consequences of Mental Health Stigma in Men
1. High Suicide Rates Among Nigerian Men
Although suicide is underreported in Nigeria due to cultural and religious taboos, studies suggest that men account for a significant proportion of suicide cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), for every woman that dies by suicide in Nigeria, at least 3 men do (WHO, 2021).
This gender disparity is partly because men are less likely to express emotional distress and more likely to choose lethal means in suicide attempts. Men often suffer in silence until they reach a breaking point.
2. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
To manage psychological distress, many Nigerian men turn to alcohol, drug abuse, or violence—coping mechanisms that are socially more acceptable than seeking therapy. This behavior not only worsens their mental health but also leads to increased rates of domestic violence, crime, and incarceration.
3. Economic Implications
Mental illness can lead to absenteeism, low productivity, and unemployment. When Nigerian men suffer mental health challenges but do not seek help, it affects not just the individual but also the family and the nation’s economy at large.
A report by the World Bank and WHO (2018) estimates that Nigeria loses over $4.5 billion annually due to mental health-related absenteeism and reduced productivity. The burden is heavier when the breadwinner is affected but cannot or will not seek help.
Barriers to Help-Seeking
Several factors prevent Nigerian men from accessing mental health services:
· Fear of Stigma: Being labeled as “mad” or “weak” discourages men from speaking out.
· Cost and Accessibility: Psychiatric services are expensive and scarce, especially in rural areas.
· Lack of Mental Health Education: Many do not recognize the symptoms of mental illness or are unaware of treatment options.
· Mistrust in Medical Systems: Due to poor experiences or lack of mental health literacy, some Nigerians distrust professional help.
Breaking the Stigma: What Needs to Change
1. Public Awareness Campaigns
Government agencies, NGOs, and media houses must run nationwide campaigns that educate Nigerians on mental health and challenge toxic masculinity. Programs like “Man Up, Speak Up” or “Strong Men Talk” can normalize help-seeking behavior and reshape public perception.
2. Involvement of Religious and Traditional Leaders
Religious institutions wield immense influence in Nigeria. Engaging pastors, imams, and traditional rulers in mental health advocacy can significantly change narratives. They can help debunk myths that mental illness is always spiritual or demonic and encourage seeking professional help.
3. Expanding Access to Services
There are fewer than 300 psychiatrists in Nigeria for a population of over 200 million (WHO, 2021). The government must invest in training more mental health professionals, integrate mental health into primary healthcare, and subsidize treatment costs.
4. Male Role Models Speaking Out
When influential Nigerian men speak openly about their mental health journeys, it helps dismantle stigma. Celebrities like Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga have started conversations around anxiety and depression. More public figures—athletes, politicians, and religious leaders—should follow suit.
5. Incorporating Mental Health Education in Schools
Mental health education should be part of the school curriculum. Teaching boys from an early age that emotions are valid and seeking help is healthy can reverse the current toxic culture around masculinity.
Real-Life Stories: The Silence That Hurts
Tunde’s Story
Tunde, a 34-year-old banker in Lagos, began experiencing symptoms of depression after losing his job. He withdrew from friends and family and eventually attempted suicide. “I couldn’t tell anyone,” he said. “As a man, I felt like I was supposed to carry it all.”
Only after his failed suicide attempt did he receive professional help. Today, Tunde is a mental health advocate helping other men speak up before it’s too late.
Chukwudi’s Experience
Chukwudi, a university student in Enugu, battled anxiety for years. “In my hostel, if you even talk about going to see a therapist, guys will laugh at you,” he recalled. Eventually, he reached out to a school counselor anonymously. “It saved my life.”
Conclusion
The stigma surrounding mental health in Nigerian men is a public health crisis that requires urgent attention. Men must be allowed to express vulnerability without fear of judgment. Government, media, communities, and families must work together to create safe spaces where men can seek help, receive support, and thrive.
Breaking the silence is not just about saving lives—it’s about redefining what it means to be a man in Nigeria today. Strength is not in silence, but in the courage to speak, seek help, and heal.
References
1. Afolabi, M. O., Ogunsemi, O., & Ibigbami, O. (2021). Mental health help-seeking behavior among men in South-West Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Psychiatry, 19(2), 75–83.
2. Mahalik, J. R., Burns, S. M., & Syzdek, M. (2003). Masculinity and perceived normative health behaviors as predictors of men’s health behaviors. Social Science & Medicine, 64(11), 2201–2209.
3. World Health Organization. (2021). Suicide worldwide in 2019: global health estimates. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240026643
4. World Bank & WHO. (2018). Mental Health: Investing in Nigeria’s Future. https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/mental-health
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