Health
Bottling up emotions can trigger depression, psychiatrists tell men
Psychiatrists have urged men to avoid suppressing emotional distress, warning that bottled-up emotions can worsen mental health conditions and increase the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts if left unaddressed.
According to them, prolonged emotional suppression may also contribute to substance misuse, relationship difficulties, and other mental health challenges.
The mental health experts noted that societal expectations often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help, leading many to internalise stress, grief, and anxiety.
The World Health Organisation says more than 720,000 people commit suicide every year, and many more attempt it.
All age groups are affected by suicide, which was the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally in 2021, the last year the WHO gathered the data.
It added that close to three-quarters of global suicides occurred in low-and middle-income countries in 2021.
The average number of suicides across the world in 2021 was 8.9 per 100,000 people.
In Africa, the figure stood at 11.5, while in both Europe and Southeast Asia, the number of suicides was recorded at 10.1 per 100,000 people.
The WHO added that the link between suicide and mental disorders, in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders, and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries.
However, it says many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis, with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses.
But speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise in commemoration of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, the psychiatrists urged men to prioritise their mental well-being by speaking openly about their challenges and seeking professional support when necessary to prevent suicidal tendencies.
Observed every June, Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, which runs concurrently with National Men’s Health Month, is dedicated to breaking the stigma around emotional vulnerability and encourages men to seek help for mental health conditions.
A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Sunday Amosu, stressed that early intervention, strong social support systems, and improved mental health awareness are essential to reducing suicide risk and promoting emotional resilience among men.
He urged Nigerian men to dispel societal expectations surrounding masculinity.
“Societal expectations surrounding masculinity discourage men from expressing emotions openly. Men are often told not to cry or show vulnerability. When emotions are bottled up over time, the risk of suicide can increase,” he said.
According to him, suicide rates vary from place to place and from country to country, and studies have found that men die by suicide at about twice the rate of women.
He noted that official figures of suicide in Nigeria may not reflect the true scale of the problem because of widespread under-reporting.
He said, “In Nigeria, for instance, the 2019 suicide statistics showed a rate of about 4.4 deaths per 100,000 people. In that same period, the global average reported by the World Health Organisation was about 9 per 100,000, while Africa’s average was about 11.2 per 100,000.”
The psychiatrist, however, argued that the country’s suicide burden is likely much higher than reported, citing stigma, religious beliefs, and weak death registration systems as factors that contribute to the concealment of suicide cases.
“Many families do not want it known that a relative died by suicide because of the stigma attached to mental illness. People often assume that anyone who dies by suicide must have had a mental illness, so families conceal such deaths to avoid stigma,” he said.
He noted that while women tend to attempt suicide more often than men, men die by suicide more frequently.
Giving reasons why men have a higher suicide mortality rate than women, the mental health expert noted that men with suicidal tendencies tend to use more lethal methods.
Amosu, who is the Head of Drug Addiction Treatment Education Research at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, also said many men keep their problems to themselves.
“A woman who develops depression may seek medical attention earlier, while a man may continue struggling silently until the condition worsens,” he said.
The mental health expert added that many men view themselves as providers and breadwinners, making them more susceptible to psychological distress during periods of financial hardship.
“Another factor is economic pressure. Many men see themselves as providers and breadwinners. Some take pride in being solely responsible for their families. As a result, they may endure severe financial hardship in silence. Economic pressures can become overwhelming and contribute to suicidal thoughts,” he said.
Amosu also identified alcohol abuse, drug misuse, and social isolation as significant risk factors, noting that loneliness following divorce or separation can worsen depression and increase the risk of suicide among men.
The psychiatrist warned that many warning signs often precede suicide but are frequently overlooked by relatives and friends.
He said statements suggesting a desire to die, expressions of hopelessness, persistent feelings of guilt, withdrawal from social activities, reckless behaviour, and sudden increases in substance use should never be ignored.
According to him, individuals contemplating suicide often communicate their distress indirectly before taking action.
“Research has shown that many people who die by suicide have communicated their intentions to at least one person beforehand. However, they often do so indirectly, jokingly, or in coded language. Sadly, people only recognise the significance of those comments after the tragedy has occurred,” he said.
Amosu urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to mental health challenges, particularly among men facing economic difficulties, chronic illnesses, or major life setbacks.
He advised men experiencing persistent sleep problems, depression, or emotional distress to seek professional help early rather than suffering in silence.
The psychiatrist also called on spouses, family members, and communities to provide emotional support to vulnerable men, stressing that criticism and ridicule could worsen existing mental health struggles.
“People facing financial hardship, chronic illness, mental health challenges, or major life difficulties should not be left to struggle alone. They need support, understanding, and access to appropriate care,” Amosu added.
Also, a Consultant Psychiatrist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Dr Kehinde Oderinde, said societal expectations prevent many men from seeking help.
“In Nigeria, a lot of people who suffer from mental health issues don’t seek help because they are afraid of being judged or labelled as ‘crazy’. This fear prevents them from getting the help they need, and it can lead to tragic consequences.
“Many people in Nigeria are not aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and don’t know where to seek help when they or their loved ones struggle with the condition. This lack of knowledge can lead to tragic consequences, including suicide,” he said in an earlier interview.
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