Breaking the Silence: Addressing Men’s Mental Health in Kenya

For too long, a dangerous misconception has lingered: that men do not experience emotions as intensely as women.

In reality, men endure a full spectrum of emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, heartbreak—yet often struggle to express their feelings, leaving many to grapple with mental health challenges alone.

Kenyan journalist and father Jackson Mwanje shares his struggle, revealing that he rarely opens up about personal challenges, even to his closest family.

Mwanje’s story resonates with many men, as traditional norms have discouraged men from expressing vulnerability, perpetuating a culture of silence.

Psychologist Dr. Chris Lymo emphasizes that men are indeed “wired to share emotions” but often face societal pressure that discourages open communication.

“It’s a misconception that men don’t want to share,” Dr. Lymo explains. “They simply aren’t socialized to express feelings the way women are.”

This silence has profound consequences. Across communities, men suffer from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts at alarming rates.

According to World Health Organization data, global suicide rates are nearly double for men compared to women.

In Kenya, male suicide rates reached 9.1 per 100,000 in 2019, compared to 3.2 per 100,000 for women.

Dr. Lymo adds that, for many men, suicidal thoughts stem not from a desire to end their life but from an overwhelming need to end their pain.

Financial pressures, societal expectations, and intimacy issues often contribute to this distress.

“Choosing to end one’s life may seem like an act of cowardice from the outside,” he says, “but those facing that decision often see it as a courageous way to stop their suffering.”

Traditional norms also play a role, with men taught to “man up” and bear their burdens alone. Pastor Walter Bulimu, a marriage and family counselor, explains, “The issues affecting men are mental, not spiritual. We must move beyond rigid gender expectations that stifle emotional expression.”

Bulimu emphasizes that an individual’s upbringing and a lack of emotional coping tools can increase vulnerability.

Trauma coach Onyango Otieno highlights that many men grew up in homes marked by emotional distance or abuse, often from absentee or violent fathers. This upbringing leads to identity crises, affecting various aspects of their adult lives.

“A high number of men who seek my help grew up in such environments, creating a crisis in mental well-being,” Otieno shares.

Experts like Otieno advocate for solutions that promote emotional support. Creating spaces where men can openly discuss their struggles without stigma, investing in counseling programs, and forming peer support groups are essential steps forward. By fostering empathy over judgment, society can encourage men to find healthier outlets for their emotions.

Ultimately, Dr. Lymo reminds us that when men face severe emotional crises, expecting them to manage alone is a “fundamentally flawed perspective.” He underscores, “No one is truly self-made. We are all shaped by the world around us.”

As we recognize the complex challenges men face in maintaining mental health, Kenyan communities must rally to provide support and break the cycle of silence, replacing it with understanding, empathy, and actionable solutions.