Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Dennis Daliri has called for urgent societal attention to men’s mental health in Ghana, emphasizing the need for compassion, awareness, and systemic change.
Speaking in an interview with A1 Radio, Dr. Daliri shed light on the often-overlooked psychological challenges men face, stressing that societal expectations and cultural norms continue to prevent many men from seeking help in times of emotional distress.
He explained that, like all human beings, men are susceptible to mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal thoughts, but they often delay seeking support until symptoms become severe.
“Men, like all other human beings, suffer from the same conditions as everyone else. The difference is that when a man is dealing with a mental health challenge, it often presents in a more severe form because they wait too long before seeking help,” he said.
According to Dr. Daliri, the pressures placed on men by society—including the expectation to be financially responsible, emotionally strong, and constantly productive—can lead to emotional exhaustion.
These burdens are typically carried silently, and when men eventually break down, they are often met with disbelief or judgment instead of empathy. “Those daunting responsibilities placed on men—family demands, societal demands, and more—cause tremendous strain. Men are very likely to break down under such pressure, and sadly, when they do, society rarely accepts or understands it,” he added.
Dr. Daliri noted that the stigma surrounding male vulnerability and emotional expression is not unique to Ghana. In many parts of the world, including Asia, men are socialized to suppress emotions and “stay strong” at all costs. This global issue contributes to the cycle of silence and internalized suffering. The psychiatrist stressed the urgent need for open conversations about male mental health, starting at home, in workplaces, and across all levels of society.
He also highlighted a worrying pattern in suicide rates between men and women. While women may attempt suicide more frequently, men tend to follow through using more violent or irreversible means—often out of genuine intent. “Most women who attempt suicide don’t really want to die. It’s a cry for attention or help. They may use less harmful means. But when a man attempts suicide, he often means it. He’ll use something more dangerous,” Dr. Daliri explained.
The psychiatrist emphasized that stigma is a double-edged sword, with men battling both societal judgment and their own internal self-criticism. Many fear being labeled as weak or incapable, which discourages them from opening up or seeking treatment. This is why, Dr. Daliri said, it’s critical for employers, families, and community leaders to watch for subtle changes in behavior, performance, or mood that may signal deeper emotional distress.
He called on workplace managers and supervisors to prioritize the mental well-being of their male staff, stressing that men are human and can break down under unrelenting pressure. “Anyone working with men should understand that putting too much pressure on them can break them. Every manager or boss should be concerned about their staff’s mental health,” he cautioned.
Dr. Daliri urged the public to utilize the growing resources available online about mental health and consult professional services when in doubt. He called on families to reassure men that they are not alone and don’t have to carry their burdens in silence. Creating an emotionally safe environment where men are free to express vulnerability, he said, is essential to mental wellness. “As a society, and as families, we need to keep encouraging men. Reassure them that we are with them, that we appreciate their hard work, and that they don’t need to break their backs. We need them alive and strong.”
In a heartfelt conclusion, Dr. Daliri directly addressed men of all ages—brothers, fathers, sons, and uncles—urging them to shed the fear of judgment and embrace their humanity. “When we need to cry, let us cry. When we need to say it as it is, let us speak. And when the going gets tough, let us seek help,” he said.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
