Raymond Muthee, upon entering the corporate world, struggled to balance work and personal life. He routinely worked beyond scheduled hours, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity. His social life became non-existent and sleepless nights were common as work consumed his thoughts.
A self-confessed workaholic, he resisted taking time off. Eventually, Raymond recognised the problem and began reading books on personal development and psychology to improve his well-being.
"I used to struggle with taking breaks. Now, I realise I can enjoy life without constantly working. After work, I avoid all work-related matters," he says.
Raymond represents men who prefer to handle challenges independently. He occasionally meets with two close friends to discuss careers, aspirations and relationships.
"I primarily look inward for solutions and occasionally talk to my friends. Some people will listen only to spread your problems maliciously," he says.
Common mental health struggles among men include anxiety, depression, irritability, stress, burnout, substance abuse disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and bipolar disorder.
A Kenya Red Cross report indicates that 40 per cent of men have never discussed their mental health. While one in ten men experiences depression or anxiety, less than half receive treatment.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), men are four times more likely to die by suicide than women. A World Health Organization (WHO) report states that Kenya's crude suicide rate is 6.1 per 100,000 people, translating to approximately four suicide deaths per day.
Early intervention is vital for men's mental health, leading to faster recovery, normalising help-seeking behaviour, reducing physical health problems, promoting healthy coping mechanisms, enhancing emotional awareness and lowering suicide risk.
Signs of mental health struggles in men include substance abuse, burnout, weight loss, suicidal thoughts, risky behaviours like reckless driving and severe conditions like psychosis and bipolar disorder. The tragic outcome is often suicide.
"Some men turn their frustrations into abuse, damaging relationships and affecting their partners," she says.
"Men are expected to be providers, but this isn't always the case in today's society. Many face unemployment and financial instability, leading to mental health issues. Unsupportive partners, societal pressures and relationship problems can also cause depression," she says.
Sharon says men often lack the vocabulary and awareness to describe their emotions.
She advises men to address their mental health challenges, practice self-care, exercise, use grounding techniques, and seek therapy, even without apparent issues. For years, counselling has been seen as a last resort, but it can be a tool for maintaining mental strength.
"There are positive shifts in society regarding men and mental health, but much work remains. For too long, we've believed counselling is only for those with severe problems, which isn't true," she says.
Sharon emphasises the need for the government to employ more psychologists, psychiatrists and establish more psychiatric units.
Resources like Basic Needs Kenya, CBT-Kenya and Oasis Africa offer individual and group therapy and awareness programs. The Sexual Violence Research Institute (SVRI) provides counselling for men dealing with gender violence, substance abuse and stress, while Jitunze Wellness hosts men's mental health wellness initiatives. For free counselling and psychosocial support, contact Red Cross Kenya by calling 1199.