Mental Health is Real and it Affects Men too

In this write-up, I am not here to justify suicidal actions, I am here to emphasize why we need to take mental health issues seriously in Ghana.

I watched a video of a man committing suicide in front of a lot of people. I cringed at the kind of words people were saying in the audio. People described him as being stupid, it was not strange that those words could not save him. According to the fundamental attribution error, we are likely to describe others’ “irrational actions” as resulting from their faulty character. While we tend to describe our actions as resulting from situations, in which we find ourselves. No wonder we tend to be harsh towards others when they go wrong.

I recently shared the need for us to care for others on World Mental Health Day. Two days ago, I also discussed with my barber men’s mental health. I tried to make him understand that those who have mental health issues are not stupid, their feelings make their actions logical to them. Such people experience certain discomfort and may engage in actions that will help them relieve themselves of the discomfort. When you observe from afar you will describe them as being illogical. Their actions are meaningful to them. What you can do to help such a person is to offer support, listen to them, try to understand their situation, and if you cannot help, link them to people who can. Do not be harsh towards people going through emotional pain.

A few days ago, the Ghana Association for Suicide Prevention was launched and I hope it will help bring people’s minds to the causes and prevention of suicide. Dr Emmanuel Nii-Boye Quarshie, one of my former lecturers who is the president of the association noted that “…two out of 10 students in Junior High School and Senior High School are contemplating suicide… three out of 10 University students had suicidal thoughts and attempts.” That man who committed suicide was never stupid. He had real issues and needed help, the solution he considered best was suicide. What other help could you have offered? No wonder resilience has been linked to social support and resources. Be empathetic to people. Men too experience mental health issues.