More Than “I’m Fine”: Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health

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By Richard Agodzo

"I’m fine."

Two simple words. Spoken like clockwork by men across the world every day — at the dinner table, in offices, in WhatsApp group chats, in church, at barber shops.

But behind those words often lies a silent battle. Pain disguised as composure. Anxiety masked by a forced smile. Depression tucked behind a joke. A mask worn not out of deceit, but out of survival.

In many societies — including ours here in Ghana — men are raised with a strict emotional code:
Don’t cry. Don’t complain. Be strong. Provide. Protect. Endure. Alone.

From boyhood, vulnerability is discouraged. A boy who cries is told to "man up." A teenager facing anxiety is accused of being lazy or unserious. A man overwhelmed by stress is told to “shake it off” — or worse, is mocked for being “too soft.”


The Unseen Toll: Real Stories, Real Consequences

In May 2022, a 31-year-old Ghanaian banker was found dead in his apartment. It was later revealed that he had been battling depression silently after losing both parents within a year, enduring job pressure, and feeling unable to share with anyone for fear of appearing weak. His final messages to a close friend? “I’m fine, bro. Just tired.”

This is not an isolated incident.

Globally, suicide rates are higher among men than women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), men account for 75% of all suicide cases worldwide. In Ghana, the Mental Health Authority estimates that approximately 1 out of every 5 men is experiencing a mental health issue — yet only a fraction seek help. Cultural stigma, religious expectations, and masculine pride often block the way.

A 2020 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that men are significantly less likely than women to access mental health services, even when experiencing clear signs of depression or PTSD. The researchers cited fear of judgment, emotional suppression, and societal expectations as key reasons.

The Mask of Masculinity

The workplace is another arena where the “I’m fine” façade thrives. A young teacher in Kumasi told me during a mental health training workshop:

“I leave my problems at the school gate. If I show weakness, they’ll replace me. I can’t afford to break down.”

Even in relationships, many men feel they must play the unbreakable role. They don’t talk about panic attacks, sleepless nights, or the constant dread of unpaid bills. Instead, they carry it all in silence, showing up every day as though nothing is wrong.

It’s not strength. It’s a crisis — a mental health crisis hiding in plain sight.

Rewriting the Narrative

Men’s Mental Health Month is not just a calendar event. It’s a call — to unlearn, to unburden, and to unmask.

We must normalize phrases like:

  • “I need help.”

  • “I’m struggling today.”

  • “Can we talk?”

  • “I’m not okay.”

We must also push for systemic changes:

  • Mental health education in boys' schools and universities.

  • Male-friendly counseling spaces that understand the stigma men face.

  • Workplace policies that include mental wellness leave and support groups.

  • Media campaigns that feature Ghanaian male voices talking about therapy and healing.

Organizations like MindFreedom Ghana and PsykForum Africa are already leading these efforts, but more support is needed — especially from male influencers, faith leaders, and traditional authorities who shape public opinion.


Healing Is Heroic

To every man reading this — whether you’re a university student, a trotro driver, a pastor, or a father:

You are allowed to not be okay.
You are allowed to feel lost sometimes.
You are allowed to take a break.
You are allowed to seek therapy.
You are allowed to cry.

And most importantly, you are allowed to live fully, not just survive silently.

What You Can Do:

  1. Check in on your male friends. Not just “How are you?” but “Are you really okay?” Then wait for the real answer.

  2. Attend or support Men’s Mental Health events in your community. Start conversations.

  3. Share your own story if you feel safe to. Someone needs to know they’re not alone.

  4. Use mental health resources:

    • Mental Health Authority of Ghana: 020-681-4666

    • MindIT Ghana Helpline: 0800-111-222 (toll-free)

    • TheraApp Ghana: Online therapy app connecting Ghanaians to licensed therapists


Let’s build a culture where being a man doesn’t mean suffering in silence, but rising in healing.

Let’s make space for real talk, not just strong fronts.

Because you — yes, you — are more than “I’m fine.”

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