Men are less likely to seek medical assistance for conditions such as depression, anxiety and stress-related disorders that are not exclusive to any gender, Doctor Onyimbo Kerama has said.
"Negligence of mental health may lead to self harm, suicide and family breakdown. Due to this, fewer men will recover from alcoholism, gambling and addictions," Kerama said.
There are various types of mental health illnesses which include dementia, clinical depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
A report by Women and Men in Kenya dubbed facts and Figures 2022 shows that around 42 per cent of women suffered from mental disorders compared to 57 per cent of men during the period under review.
Men who spoke to the Star cited changing societal dynamics such as a rise in LGBTQ lifestyles has having an impact to those who don't ascribe to it resulting in mental anguish.
"Nowadays, having a family is not easy. With the rise of homosexuality around the world, getting a wife is very difficult unlike before when one would know when I date a lady it would lead to marriage,” Victor Tiko said.
Life has become different and difficult, John Ng'ang'a said adding that he would rate himself on a scale of 5 out of 10 about his mental status.
"I can’t rate myself at 8 or 9. Living has resulted in a lot of hurdles with so much going on, it's only normal that no one is mentally fit,” Ng'ang'a said.
Psychologist Martin Etisi human physiology drives human psychology and vice versa.
Psychology is what drives human behaviour and gives one the ability to reason and decide what to do about something.
Etisi said there is the physical and psychological side of the brain and the two parts are distinct but dependent on each other.
"It is the painful experiences and pressures which affect human psychology,” Etisi said.
He said human behaviour is driven by codes that represent bad and painful things and others that represent good things, those that cause pleasure and reward.
He said men often choose or remember only the things that are good while paying little or no attention to the bad things including mental illness.
According to Etisi, men are prone to ignoring signals from the side of the brain that notifies the body of physical and psychological pain.
Family background also largely contributes to the mental status of a men.
Etisi explained that there are those families that are either hostile and others that are friendly where parents or guardians take time to discuss issues with their children at a tender age.
"What determines human behaviour in adulthood starts from early childhood. The surrounding environment of a child has the greatest impact when growing up,' Etisi said.
He said not talking about issues at an early age makes children develop a defense mechanism where they are constantly brought under stress.
The pain that such children develop tends to be carried into adulthood and this affects their mental wellness.
“You will get a young man indulging in drugs and substance use to cope with the unpleasant feeling,” Etisi said.
Counselor Faith Muhonja defines societal culture and expectations as one of the factors affecting the mental health of most men.
"Most people will point fingers at the man when he fails at his responsibilities as a perceived breadwinner," she said.
Muhonja avers that there is a common mentality among people that men who open up and ask for help are weaklings, which should be a thing of the past.
"It’s not a weakness to accept that you have been pushed to the wall, breaking down shows that you’re strong enough to accept the situation as it is,” she said.
Muhonja further states that everyone in society can show love and care to men who are mentally ill by not being judgmental.
This helps them to overcome the stigma of mental illness resulting in rehabilitation.
Being International Men’s Health Week, counselors and psychologists are encouraging men to go for therapy and join groups that will help them find out more about their mental conditions.
