As part of activities commemorating Men’s Mental Health Month 2026, counsellors from the Student Affairs Division of Kaduna State University (KASU), Comfort Raphael Afuwai and Halima Mauzu Yushau, have intensified efforts to promote mental health awareness among men through a special radio programme aired on KASU FM.
During the enlightening session held on June 16, the counsellors educated students and members of the public on the significance of men’s mental health and emotional well-being, emphasizing the need for greater awareness, support, and advocacy.
The resource persons explained that June is globally recognized as Men’s Health Month and Men’s Mental Health Month, noting that the 2026 theme, “Partners in Care: Advancing Men’s Health Through Connection, Education, and Advocacy,” underscores the importance of collective responsibility in fostering healthier and more supportive communities for men.
Speaking on the programme, the counsellors stressed that mental health is as vital as physical health, influencing how individuals think, feel, behave, make decisions, and interact with others. They observed that many men experience emotional and psychological challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions, yet often refrain from seeking help due to societal expectations that portray men as emotionally invulnerable and self-reliant.
According to the counsellors, longstanding stereotypes reflected in expressions such as “boys don’t cry” and “be tough” have contributed to a culture of emotional suppression among men, often resulting in heightened psychological distress. They emphasized that genuine strength includes the courage to acknowledge emotional struggles and seek professional support when necessary.
The discussion also highlighted common mental health disorders affecting men, including anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.
The counsellors identified several factors that may contribute to mental health challenges among men, including social and cultural pressures, financial difficulties, workplace stress, relationship and family issues, age-related hormonal changes, social isolation, traumatic experiences, substance misuse, physical health concerns, poor work-life balance, and fear of stigma associated with seeking help.
Furthermore, listeners were educated on key warning signs of mental health difficulties, such as persistent sadness, excessive worry, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and declining academic or professional performance.
To promote positive mental health, the counsellors encouraged men to prioritize adequate rest, engage in regular physical activity, maintain healthy nutrition, cultivate supportive relationships, practice relaxation techniques, develop effective stress-management skills, and express their feelings openly. They also advised individuals experiencing emotional difficulties to seek support from trusted friends, family members, counsellors, religious leaders, or mental health professionals.
The programme concluded with a strong call for increased understanding, empathy, and compassion toward individuals facing mental health challenges. The counsellors urged the public to reject stigma, provide support to those in distress, and recognize that mental health conditions are not signs of weakness but health issues that require care, understanding, and appropriate intervention.
Delivering key takeaways to listeners, the counsellors encouraged everyone to take proactive steps toward mental wellness by caring for their minds as diligently as they care for their bodies, seeking help when needed, supporting others, embracing healthy coping strategies, and becoming active partners in care.
