Globally, men die by suicide nearly three to four times more often than women, with the World Health Organization noting that in the U.S., 79% of all suicides are men, while in Nigeria, men are  twice as likely to die by suicide compared to women. Despite these alarming figures, fewer than one in four men experiencing mental health challenges actually seek help, according to the Mental Health Foundation (UK), a number that drops even further across African countries due to cultural norms and stigmas. 

A global survey by the Movember Foundation found that over 40% of men have never spoken to anyone about their mental health, often citing reasons like “I don’t want to burden anyone,” “I feel embarrassed,” or “I was told to tough it out.” Instead of seeking support, men are significantly more likely to turn to substance use, with the National Institute on Drug Abuse reporting that alcohol abuse is twice as common in men, often serving as a mask for depression or anxiety. 

In Nigeria specifically, the Africa Polling Institute (2020) revealed that 8 in 10 people still believe those with mental illness should be kept away from others; a belief system that pressures men to suppress their pain and “snap out of it” rather than seek help.

Stigma is the negative belief or mindset people have about something often rooted in misunderstanding or fear. Most times, this belief is unfair and leads to judgment, rejection, or silence. The World Health Organization (2001) explains stigma as a form of societal rejection, where individuals are judged, isolated, or denied opportunities due to a perceived flaw or condition.

Stigma is harmful, especially for people dealing with mental health conditions. While everyone faces it in different ways, men are often judged for showing emotion, due to the societal expectation that they must always be strong and emotionally unaffected.

In many cultures, especially African, Asian, and conservative Western societies, these mindsets get passed down and enforced by both men and women, making it hard for men to open up or ask for help.

Stigmatization has caused mostly harm and very little good in society. 

One major consequence is underreporting. Many men who struggle with mental health don’t seek help or share their struggles, so official statistics fail to capture the full reality. Yet, suicide rates among men remain disproportionately high. For example, it might shock people to learn that a seemingly “fine” 38-year-old father of two died by suicide because often, men who appear strongest are silently carrying the heaviest burdens.

Isolation is another damaging effect of stigma. Since stigmatization brings humiliation, many men withdraw into solitude even when they deeply desire connection trying to avoid shame. This isolation can happen even within families, churches, and friendships, leaving men alone in their struggle.

Finally, delayed help-seeking becomes common. Isolated and overwhelmed, men often wait until their mental health has worsened significantly before reaching out for therapy, sometimes only after hitting rock bottom, when intervention might be too late.

When stigma is removed, men are no longer trapped in silence. 

Without the fear of judgment, more men will reach out when the signs of mental or emotional struggle begin and not when things have gotten out of hand. Early support can make all the difference between recovery and collapse.

2. They become emotionally healthier role models.

When men talk openly and process emotions, they teach their children (boys and girls) that it’s okay to feel. They break the cycle of silence and raise a generation that doesn’t confuse suppression with strength.

3. Therapy becomes a form of strength, not shame.

People used to think therapy was for broken people. But now, many men are beginning to see it differently: “I go to therapy because I want to be whole for myself and the people I love.” That shift is powerful.

When men learn to express what’s going on inside, their relationships benefit. They communicate better, connect deeper, and heal faster. That emotional availability strengthens marriages, friendships, and parent-child bonds.

A mentally and emotionally healthy man impacts everyone around him. When he’s supported, he becomes a better partner, father, friend, and contributor to the larger society. Removing stigma doesn’t just help the man — it helps everyone in his life.

We all have a part to play in ending this stigma. Whether you’re male or not, you can be part of the shift in simple but powerful ways.

1. Call out harmful jokes or stereotypes.

If you hear people mocking men for crying or needing help, don’t stay silent. Even a simple “That’s not funny” can challenge a harmful mindset. Culture shifts when individuals take small stands.

When a man opens up about his struggles, resist the urge to quickly offer solutions. Sometimes, what he really needs is someone to just listen and say, “I hear you.” That alone can be deeply healing.

3. Recommend therapy as normal self-care.

Don’t wait for things to fall apart before suggesting help. Encourage therapy the same way you would recommend going to the gym or eating healthy, as a proactive investment in one’s wellbeing.

4. Be patient with men who are still learning.

Many men were never taught how to process or even name their emotions. It may take time for them to unlearn decades of conditioning. Extend grace, and encourage progress, not perfection.

Mental Health Foundation (UK). Stigma and Discrimination: Men's Mental Health. 

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/men-and-mental-health

Movember Foundation. Why Men Don’t Talk About Mental Health. 

https://uk.movember.com/story/view/id/12357

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Substance Use in Women: Sex and Gender Differences in Substance Use.  

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/substance-use-in-women/sex-gender-differences-in-substance-use

Africa Polling Institute (API). Mental Health in Nigeria: Perceptions and Realities (2020). 

https://africapolling.org/mental-health-in-nigeria-perception-and-reality/

American Psychological Association (APA). Men: A Different Depression. 

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/men-depression

Stigma keeps men silent about mental health. Learn why this must change, what it costs, and how we can all help men speak up and heal without shame.

Stop the Stigma: Why Men’s Mental Health Deserves Attention Now

, observed in countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and South Africa. It is a time to shed light on the often-overlooked emotional and psychological burdens many men carry in silence.

While men are often expected to be the "fixers," the "providers," the ones who just keep going, mental and emotional fatigue can weigh them down just as heavily as anyone else.

From pressure at work to personal grief, financial responsibilities to societal expectations, men are navigating battles most people never see and many are doing so alone.

So how can you tell if a man is struggling even when he says he’s fine?

7 Signs He’s Struggling But Won’t Say It

Here are 7 signs he might be emotionally drained, but doesn’t know how to talk about it:

Fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix is more than physical, it’s mental and emotional exhaustion. When a man is constantly tired, withdrawn, or just  going through the same routine without energy, it could mean he’s silently burning out.

2. He’s Quick to Anger, Then Drowns in Guilt

Outbursts aren’t always about what just happened, they’re often triggered by months (or years) of suppressed emotions. If he reacts strongly, then withdraws or apologizes repeatedly, he might be overwhelmed.

3. He’s Emotionally Distant and Withdrawn

He’s physically present but mentally absent. Conversations feel surface-level, responses are short, and his mind is elsewhere, often on worries he won’t voice. Also, if he suddenly becomes unavailable, always occupied, or uninterested in things he used to love? That’s not just busyness, it could be emotional burnout.

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Whether it’s pride, upbringing, or fear of appearing weak, many men have difficulty expressing that they’re not okay, even to their closest friends.

Overspending, reckless driving, drinking more than usual – these could be coping mechanisms for stress or depression.

6. He Feels Like He’s Failing at Everything

No matter how hard he tries, he feels like he’s falling short whether at work, in relationships, as a father, a partner, or a friend. This self-imposed pressure to ‘do it all’ silently chips away at him.

7. He’s Willing to Help Everyone But Himself

He shows up for others, fixes what’s broken, pays the bills, answers the calls but when asked how he’s doing, he shrugs it off. If he finally agrees to therapy or opens up, it’s likely long overdue.

Societal Pressure to Always Be “Strong”

From a young age, boys are often taught to “man up,” “stop crying,” and “be strong.” Vulnerability is painted as weakness, and emotions are something to suppress. Over time, this conditioning creates men who feel the need to constantly appear in control even when they’re falling apart. They’re expected to be reliable for others but discouraged from depending on anyone.

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Lack of Emotional Vocabulary or Safe Spaces

Many men grow up without the tools or spaces to express their feelings. They may struggle to identify or articulate what they’re feeling simply because they were never taught how. When there’s no safe outlet, silence becomes the default.

Society often views emotional openness in men as weakness. Because of this, many fear being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed when they speak up. So they stay silent, even when they're hurting.

Check in with the men around you. Ask how they’re really doing, then listen without trying to “fix” them. Sometimes, just being heard is healing.

Let them talk without rushing to give advice. Your quiet presence can be more comforting than your words.

3. Encourage professional help, not just pep talks

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Support isn’t just about being there, it’s also about pointing them toward expert care when needed. Encourage therapy, not just motivational talk.

Sometimes, sharing a resource is all it takes to open a door. Forward articles, hotline numbers, or therapy links like Tranqbay to someone who might need it.

Healing doesn’t mean your responsibilities vanish. But learning to carry them differently makes all the difference.

If you’re a man who’s been “pushing through” silently, try to pause and breathe. Ask for help. It’s not a sign of weakness. It’s one of the strongest, most courageous things you can do.

At Tranqbay, a licensed therapist can help you begin that journey  with zero judgment.

Men’s mental health is real. Discover the unspoken struggles and actionable ways to help men heal, speak up, and seek the support they deserve.

Men’s Mental Health Month: 7 Signs He’s Struggling But Won’t Say It

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is a time when we don’t just talk about mental health in theory, but also take a moment to sit with real stories, real struggles, and real silence.

This month, we invited people to anonymously share their mental health journeys. What they sent us was not just powerful, but also it was heartbreaking. Not because they are weak, but because they’ve had to carry so much alone.

And it is even worse that none of these individuals had tried therapy.

Whether due to stigma, fear, cost, or the idea that they should “just push through,” they’ve been managing their conditions with no guide.

“My mental health has been so unstable. I really feel like I'm losing my mind to depression. I honestly don’t know what’s wrong with me. I feel like I’m losing my mind to this thing, depression or whatever it is.

I can’t remember the last time I was genuinely happy. People laugh, they hang out, they smile… I just sit there, watching, trying to keep up.

These days, I’m not even trying to cope. I just wake up, go through the day, and sleep again. No motivation, no excitement....nothing.

I’m just existing. That’s the word. And it’s scary, because I don’t even know where to begin from. I’ve not tried therapy or anything. I’m just… here.”

This is not laziness or attention-seeking. This is survival. Thank you for sharing that. It sounds like you’re in a really dark and exhausting place right now, and we want you to know that what you're feeling is valid. When it feels like you’re just existing, even the smallest steps can feel overwhelming. But starting doesn’t have to be big. Just acknowledging that something isn’t right, like you just did, is already a brave first step. You don’t have to go through this alone. There’s help, and there’s hope, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.

“I drink now, and it helps me escape.”

“Losing my brother broke me. It’s been over a year, but it still feels like yesterday. I don’t even know how to explain the pain. I’ve tried everything,  Googled “how to heal,” tried breathing exercises, watched YouTube videos, even joined an online grief group. It works for a while, but then the sadness comes back like a wave.

Sometimes, it just gets too much, so I drink. Not all the time, but when it hits hard. And honestly? It helps me escape. I know it’s not the right way, but it’s the only thing that makes me forget even if it’s just for a few hours.”

Grief takes time. But in isolation, it takes over. We are really sorry you're carrying this kind of pain. It’s heavy, and it makes sense that you're trying to find ways to cope, even if they’re not perfect. Grief isn’t something we just “get over.” It’s something we learn to carry. And sometimes, that wave feels too big to manage alone. You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just need a safe space to start untangling the hurt, and our therapists are here for that.

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“But these days, I don’t even recognize the person in the mirror. My friends don’t say it directly, but the things they say sometimes? It gets to me. The jokes, the comparisons, the subtle shade. Now I feel ugly, like I’m not enough. I don’t post pictures anymore. I avoid hanging out sometimes 'cause I don’t want to feel like the odd one out. It’s crazy how quickly confidence can fade when the people around you don’t make you feel seen.”

It sounds like you’re carrying a lot of pain, When the people we trust make us feel unseen or small, it can deeply affect our sense of self. But you should know your worth isn’t defined by comparisons or others’ comments. You are enough.

“I have degrees, I have a job... but I still feel lost.”

“I’m supposed to be doing okay. I mean, I’ve got two degrees, a decent job, and people think I’m doing well. But inside? I feel nothing.

Like, I should be happy, but I’m not. I keep asking myself, “Is this all there is?” I hit milestones and don’t even feel like celebrating.

Everyone keeps saying, “You’re doing great,” but I just smile and nod. No one really knows that sometimes I sit alone and wonder if I’ll ever feel fulfilled. I’ve never tried therapy, maybe I should. But even that feels like one more thing I don’t have energy for.”

Sometimes, achievements don’t always bring the fulfillment we expect, especially when we’re disconnected from ourselves. External achievements can’t fix internal battles. It’s okay to question, to feel numb, and even to feel tired at the thought of trying something new like therapy. But just saying this out loud is a powerful start. Take your time, but don't delay for too long. 

People are struggling deeply even the ones who seem okay.

Most have not sought therapy, often due to stigma, cost, or the belief that they should just “figure it out.”

Coping mechanisms vary; some unhealthy, others simply nonexistent.

This month, let’s do more than be aware. Let’s:

Talk openly about therapy as a valid, helpful option.

Normalize the struggle without glorifying it.

Invest in mental wellness. Spending your time, money, or energy toward your peace is not selfish.

Celebrate progress, not just healing because every small step counts.

If you relate to any of these stories, know that help is available.

Professional therapy can change everything.

You are not weak for needing help. You are not alone in what you feel.

We're still collecting anonymous stories from people like you.

Stories will be shared to raise awareness and remind others: you are not alone.

It’s anonymous, and you can say as little or as much as you want.

Together, let’s keep the conversation going, not just for a month, but for good.

Real people share anonymous stories of grief, depression, body image, and emptiness to raise awareness and encourage support this Mental Health Month.

Mental Health Stories: Depression, Anxiety, and Healing Journeys

Mental health isn’t something you switch off when you step into work. If anything, the workplace can be where it’s tested the most. In this article, we’ll explore how mental health shows up in the workplace, why it matters, and practical ways both employees and employers can create a healthier space to thrive emotionally and professionally.

Before, people left jobs for obvious reason such as relocation, better offers, family changes. Now, a whiff of toxicity, and they're out.

A slightly raised voice in a meeting, a poorly worded email, constant micromanaging, or the overwhelming feeling of being undervalued, these are enough reasons for someone to tender a resignation or quietly disengage. It's no longer about "better pay"; it's about "better peace".

There are many schools of thought on whether it’s wise to leave a workplace because of how it affects your mental well-being. Some say it's exaggerated “Your boss yells? So what?” Others argue it’s a red flag that shouldn't be ignored.

What do you do when your job offers nothing but money, no room for professional growth, no learning, no direction? Or your boss constantly shouts at you, humiliates you in front of colleagues, emotionally assaults you in ways that chip away at your self-worth? 

“Stay! At least you’re getting paid.”

“Go. No amount of money is worth your peace of mind.”

The first school of thought usually comes from millennials or older people who believe they’ve "seen it all.” They've weathered tough bosses, difficult clients, unpaid overtime, and they survived. For them, a job that pays the bills is better than no job at all. “You don’t have to like it; just do it,” they say.

Then, there's the young ones (some countries call them Gen Z), the generation that’s often accused of being “soft,” entitled, or too idealistic. They’re often the ones asking deeper questions:

Does this job value my mental and emotional health?

They’re not afraid to leave if the answers are “no.”

Which school of thought do you belong to?

Mental Health is Everywhere – Even at Work

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Whether you’re on a construction site, in an office, or behind a screen working remotely, one truth remains: You don’t keep your emotions somewhere while you work.

You carry your mind, emotions, and psychological state with you wherever you go – school, work, market, church, or social gatherings. That’s why mental health should not be boxed into therapy rooms or crises alone.

An average working adult spends at least eight hours daily at their workplace. That’s a third of their day, more time than they spend with loved ones. These eight hours are enough to either build or break your mental health, especially if spent in a draining, disrespectful, or dismissive environment.

Let’s not pretend it’s just “in your head.” Workplace experiences can trigger real mental health conditions. Constant stress from impossible deadlines, passive-aggressive feedback, or feeling undervalued can lead to anxiety, burnout, or even depression. Some people wake up dreading the thought of logging in or stepping into the office, not because they’re lazy or unmotivated, but because the environment chips away at their confidence daily. 

And the reality is people don’t leave the damage at the office. They carry it home to their relationships, children, personal projects, and even their health. A bad work culture seeps into every other area of life, often unnoticed, until the signs are too loud to ignore.

No Workplace is Perfect, But Some Are Healthier.

Truly, there’s no perfect workplace, and certainly no perfect boss. Even as a business owner, your clients can stress you to the point of tears. 

A single email from a dissatisfied customer can ruin your day. So yes, mental health struggles aren’t exclusive to employees. They touch everyone.

But while perfection isn’t realistic, psychological safety, respect, communication and boundaries are. 

You don’t need a perfect environment, but one that doesn’t suffocate your spirit.

Why Mental Health Should Be a Priority at Work

Mental health isn’t a luxury. It’s not something you address when things get “bad enough.” It should be baked into the culture of every organization.

A mentally healthy employee is a productive employee. Stress and burnout lead to absenteeism and low output. 

High turnover costs money. People don’t quit jobs; they quit toxic cultures.

People matter beyond their job titles. No one should have to trade their mental well-being for a paycheck.

How Do You Protect Your Mental Health at Work?

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Set boundaries. Know when to pause and when to push. Every season requires a different pace, listen to what your body is telling you. Productivity thrives where there’s room for rest and clarity.

Don’t take everything personally. People come from different backgrounds. Not every tone is about you.

Speak up respectfully when something feels off. Advocating for yourself isn’t rebellion. There are organizations that encourage their employee to communicate.

Find a support system. A colleague, a mentor, or even a therapist.

Protect your peace. If it’s costing you your mind, it might be too expensive.

Employers, It’s Your Responsibility Too

Mental health in the workplace isn’t just an employee issue. It’s a leadership issue too.

Beyond fat salaries and annual bonuses, what structures exist to support your team’s mental wellness?

Are your managers trained to lead with empathy?

Do you provide resources for stress management or wellness programs? 

You can't demand excellence in output and ignore the mental state of the people producing it. That’s unsustainable.

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Some organizations are starting to understand the importance of mental well-being and are offering employees access to group therapy as part of their wellness programs. 

These sessions help create a supportive space where employees can connect, share, and feel heard. 

For companies that haven’t yet put this in place, platforms like Tranqbay are stepping in, offering accessible online and physical group therapy to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges they face at work.

Work doesn’t have to be a battlefield. It should challenge you, yes but not traumatize you or contribute to other mental health issues.

 It should stretch you, but not shatter you.

Mental health isn’t a side issue. It’s the main issue because no one can show up fully where they’re emotionally starved or psychologically unsafe.

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to wait for a workplace program or policy to take charge of their mental health. 

Taking the step toward therapy, whether through counseling or support groups can significantly improve your overall well-being and productivity at work.

You can go ahead and book a session with an expert. 

Learn why mental health matters in the workplace and how employees and employers can create healthier, more productive environments for everyone involved.

How to Manage Mental Health in the Workplace

If a child bursts into tears over a broken crayon, we may chuckle. But what if it's more than the crayon? What if it’s the only thing in their world they can control?

Today, May 7, is National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day. It serves as a powerful reminder that children, just like adults, face mental health challenges. This day is not just a formality, it’s a national call to open our eyes to what our children may be silently going through.

National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day

Awareness days help spotlight issues that are often swept under the rug. They challenge silence and create safe spaces for conversations. 

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of children's mental health and the need for early intervention and treatment. It is also a time to celebrate the resilience of children and youth who experience mental health challenges, and to recognize the critical role that family and community play in promoting mental well-being.

It encourages communities to acknowledge that children have mental health needs that are just as real and pressing as those of adults.

Across the country, various organizations are hosting events and campaigns to highlight the importance of children’s mental health. From school assemblies and workshops to social media campaigns and mental health screenings, the day is being used to spark conversations that matter.

When mental health is mentioned, people by default tend to picture an adult battling stress, anxiety, or depression. Rarely do we pause to think; do children go through these conditions as well?

Support National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day by learning the signs, breaking the stigma, and helping kids thrive emotionally and mentally.

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