Nigerians have been urged to stop casting male children and men into roles they are unprepared for, as this practice has been linked to rising mental health challenges among male adults.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Akintoyese, Chief Clinical Psychologist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Lagos, made this call during an event organized by the Elizabethan Humanitarian Life (H&H) Foundation in Lagos to mark the 2024 International Men’s Day.
Themed “Champions of Change: Addressing Male Mental Health Challenges at Different Stages of Life,” the event brought together experts and advocates to discuss the mental health issues affecting men and boys.
Dr. Akintoyese noted that societal expectations placed undue pressure on male children, often forcing them into predefined roles that they might not be cognitively equipped to handle.
“Society imposes expectations on male children the moment they are born, casting them into roles they may not be prepared for. This creates immense pressure and leaves many struggling to identify their true selves,” she said.
“This identity crisis often leads to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, especially as these boys grow into adulthood under the weight of societal demands.”
Speaking on empowering men to speak out, Mrs. Oyinade Samuel-Eluwole emphasised the need for men to break societal norms that silence their struggles.
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“Men are boxed into corners where they feel they must ‘man up’ and suppress their emotions. This silence is dangerous, as it breeds frustration, substance abuse, and even suicide,” she explained.
Mrs. Samuel-Eluwole called for increased collaboration between families, government agencies, and advocacy groups to address the mental health challenges faced by men. She also stressed the importance of including counselling services in schools to support boys from a young age.
The event featured a distinguished panel, including Prophet Ade Ologbonyo, Founder of the Ade Ologbonyo Foundation; Mallam Ahmad Sajoh, Executive Director of FutureNow Initiative; Mr. Sulaiman Adedokun, Group Managing Director of Meristem Securities Limited; and Mr. Bamidele Alimi, Director General and CEO of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria.
The panellists explored solutions to the mental health crisis among men, focusing on societal attitudes and structural reforms.
Prophet Ologbonyo advocated for the creation of a Ministry of Men’s Affairs to address the unique challenges faced by men, while Mallam Sajoh called for efforts to strengthen the resilience of men and boys.
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