October Health – 2024 Report
Male Demographic in Kenya
In Kenya, the leading causes of stress for men are often linked to socioeconomic factors such as financial instability and unemployment. Other significant stressors include societal expectations to be the primary breadwinner, political uncertainty, and challenges related to access to healthcare and education. Additionally, issues such as land disputes and the pressure to provide for extended families can also contribute to stress levels in men.
How mental health affects the Male demographic differently
1. **Societal Expectations**: Men may experience stress due to societal pressures to conform to traditional masculine roles, such as being emotionally stoic, financially successful, and physically strong. This can lead to a reluctance to express vulnerability or seek help.
2. **Workplace Pressure**: Men might feel stressed due to expectations of being primary breadwinners, leading to a heightened sense of responsibility and pressure in their careers. Work cultures that stigmatize seeking mental health support can exacerbate this.
3. **Mental Health Stigma**: There is often greater stigma around men discussing and seeking help for mental health issues, which can prevent them from accessing needed support and lead to higher risks of untreated conditions.
4. **Relationship Stress**: Male gendered norms around expressing emotions can affect personal relationships, potentially causing stress due to communication barriers or conflicts in intimate or family settings.
5. **Health Risks and Coping Mechanisms**: Men might be more likely to engage in unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse rather than seeking appropriate mental health support, partly due to societal norms.
Consider recommending resources like October's digital group sessions and mental health content to support male employees in addressing these stresses in a supportive environment.
Data from October Health
What's driving mental health stresses for the Male demographic in South African?
Proactive mental fitness for high performance staff.
Understand the stresses and workplace challenges of your staff and provide them with the tools to protect their productivity and mental health.