By Akpan Glory

An Environmental activist, Mr Awa Emmanuel has called for greater awareness and stronger support systems to help men cope with the often-overlooked burden of depression.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, Emmanuel described the rising cases of male depression as a serious concern requiring urgent intervention to safeguard mental well-being.

He emphasised that depression is a silent killer, gradually consuming those who ignore their emotional distress.

“When you don’t eliminate what tries to destroy you, it eventually takes over and consumes you entirely,” he said.

According to him, mood disorders, persistent sadness, and loss of interest in daily activities are becoming more widespread and need immediate attention.

He noted that feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and guilt are increasingly common in today’s fast-paced world, making it crucial to address this crisis.

He explained that men are often expected to appear strong and independent, making it difficult for them to show vulnerability.

This, he said, can lead to self-doubt, low self-esteem, and a sense of failure when their achievements do not meet societal expectations.

“The pressure to succeed, provide for their families, and maintain social status, he added, takes a heavy toll on mental health.

“Society has created a false narrative that equates personal worth with material success.

“When a person is perceived as not doing enough, they are labelled a failure, ignoring the uniqueness of individual life journeys”.

He stressed that each person’s path is different and that a healthy mind is essential to making meaningful contributions to society.

According to him, depression thrives in environments where societal expectations create constant pressure.

He pointed out that family, friends, and colleagues may unintentionally worsen this distress through criticism or unrealistic demands.

“A man who constantly compares himself to wealthier peers invites the silent killer into his thoughts.

“Also, a spouse’s persistent criticism over financial struggles could also heighten vulnerability to depression.

He warned that rising male depression and unresolved distress could lead to substance abuse, isolation, irrational behaviour, and even suicide.

He called for urgent discussions on the issue, stressing the importance of recognising and addressing early signs of depression to prevent serious consequences.

“Newton’s Law of Motion states that an object remains in its state of rest or motion unless acted upon by an external force.

“Similarly, for mental stability, one must avoid environments and associations that trigger distress”.

To combat depression, he advised men to stay positive, find joy in small moments, practise self-care, exercise regularly, and maintain a balanced diet.

These simple yet effective steps, he said, could greatly improve mental well-being and resilience.

He lamented that many men hesitate to seek professional help due to stigma, leading to prolonged suffering.

He stressed that therapy, counselling, and medical support are now more accessible through technology and mental health initiatives.

“Instead of competing, we must collaborate to achieve shared goals in our respective fields,” he said.

He urged men to prioritise their well-being and seek support when needed, warning against allowing societal pressures to dictate their self-worth.

“What you struggle to attain might end up controlling you, robbing you of the contributions you were meant to make in your community,” he said.

He called for a collective effort to foster an environment of understanding and support, emphasising that addressing male depression would lead to healthier, more fulfilling lives for future generations.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (NSRPI) has found that suicide rates in Nigeria are rising, with men being more likely to die by suicide than women.

This is often linked to untreated mental health conditions such as depression, which, in some cases, can lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade