Depression and anxiety are two of the biggest threats to human mental health; the weight of these invisible foes can feel suffocating, isolating, and overwhelming. Many of us face this mental health issue, but the complexity of the society in which we live has stopped us from seeking health because it is not a normal thing we do or we have to tough it out.
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Society's norms, expectations, and misconceptions significantly contribute to the issues surrounding depression and anxiety. The pressure to appear "strong" and "put-together" at all times, along with the fear of being labeled as "weak" or "broken," creates societal expectations that foster a culture of silence and shame. We can see many husbands, fathers, brothers, or boyfriends toughing it out because they don't want to be seen as weak. Their issue is something they should figure out without the help of anyone, and most of the time they suffer in silence.
You might think it is just the male that suffers this alone. The single mothers, wives, sisters, or girlfriends suffer from this too. Everyone is only putting up a front because of the societal stigma surrounding depression and anxiety.
Cultural barriers further add to the issue surrounding depression and anxiety, as different communities may hold varying beliefs, attitudes, and taboos related to mental health.
In Yoruba culture, it is taboo for a man to complain about feeding his family. All he needs to do is go out to work and bring home food. If he can't provide for his family, he will be seen as lazy even when he is doing his best to provide. Many times, this has forced many Yoruba men into doing shady business because they want to appear to society that they are carrying out their cultural responsibility properly.
In Igbo culture, women are not permitted to complain no matter how bad they are treated immediately they are married off. What ever they are going through in their marriage, they are meant to suck it up and put up with it. Even when they are sad, they must appear happy in front of other people. This is why many people tag Igbo women as strong-hearted, most of the things they are putting up with many different women can't.
Many of them suffer from depression and anxiety, which has led to many young people dying young.
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As we navigate the complexities of societal and cultural barriers to addressing mental health stigma, let us remember that our stories, struggles, and journeys are valid and worthy of compassion and empathy. When you see the signs in someone close to you, draw them closer, ask questions, and help them overcome this issue of depression and anxiety. There are many wrong things depression and anxiety can do to our health and you can read about it Here
Spread love and more awareness on mental health. Thanks for reading.