How the ‘men don’t cry’ mentality can erode a man’s mental health: A Gen Z's perspective

The saying that men don’t cry has made many have the disposition of braving difficulties and bottling up emotions.

However, this can have a negative impact on one’s mental health.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 703,000 people die by suicide every year globally and was the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds in 2019.

In Kenya, the WHO data estimates that 408 people die by suicide yearly.

Vitallis Marubu spoke to Wananchi Reporting about his views on men and mental health: 

Men are often expected to withstand difficult situations without flinching.

However, sometimes it gets tough in several situations, for example in relationships when you have a partner or people that are around you that are not understanding.

For some it’s all about how they can benefit from you and your wellbeing doesn’t matter. 

A distracted man can never give his all in a relationship.

A man should be the pillar of strength in the house, but if he is mentally unavailable, that becomes counterproductive to everything he is trying to do.

Men are logical beings, which means if they're mentally unstable, they will also be emotionally unavailable.

Childhood trauma being carried forward into relationships can lead to trauma bonding and toxicity since you're not used to love or you aren't healed.

Sometimes you don't heal; you just learn how to live with your scars but it requires someone who's supportive through the process.

The mind is powerful and what you feed it can affect your general wellbeing.

There are several cases of suicide from men because many feel unheard.

It's important to choose a partner with mental and emotional intelligence. 

I urge men to keep speaking up and know that it's okay not to be okay.

I have had to work on my growth; it's not easy - many times you get hurt in the process because you have to forgive people that haven't apologised to you, but you have to deal with regret.

Everyone should take it upon themselves to work on bettering themselves.