Even after agreeing to share his struggles with mental health with us, Titi Adeoti* would still not want his real name to appear in print. He prefers anonymity to “protect” himself from possible ridicule and the stigma that the Nigerian society attaches to mental illnesses.
“It is hard enough to have these battles rage in my head,” he tells Guardian Life. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m going to bite them and run berserk any minute.”
Adeoti, a 35-year-old entrepreneur, was diagnosed with depression in 2018 and later anxiety disorder. He remained silent about his mental challenges until he had a major mental breakdown that forced him to seek help at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba at the end of 2021.
Adeoti’s story is not unique, as millions of Nigerian men are embracing a culture of silence in their struggles against mental illness. The World Health Organization reports rising cases of mental health disorders globally, with Nigeria being no exception.
Dr. Oluseun Peter Ogunnubi emphasizes the importance of changing perceptions and providing support for men’s mental health in Nigeria. Education, role models, therapy, and support groups play crucial roles in addressing these issues. Access to mental health services and breaking the stigma are key in ensuring that men feel safe to talk about their struggles.
By fostering open conversations and providing support, we can help break the silence around men’s mental health in Nigeria and ensure that individuals do not have to face their challenges alone.