DEPRESSION is a growing concern among young men, who are often socialised to suppress their emotions and maintain a tough exte­rior. However, this stigma can lead to devastating consequences, including increased rates of substance abuse, suicidal thoughts, and strained rela­tionships.

In this article, I will explore the im­pact of depression on young men and the crucial role some young women play in helping overcome it.

The effects of depression on

young men

Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or back­ground. However, young men are particularly vulnerable due to societal expectations and traditional masculine norms. The pressure to conform to these norms can lead to:

1. Emotional suppression: Young men may feel forced to hide their emotions, leading to isolation and disconnection.

2. Increased risk-taking behaviour: Depression manifests as reckless behaviour, such as substance abuse or aggression, as a way to cope with emotional pain.

3. Strained relationships: De­pression damages relationships with family, friends, and romantic partners, exacerbating feelings of loneliness.

The role of young women in

solving depression

Young women can play a vital role in helping young men overcome depres­sion. By being supportive, understand­ing, and empathetic, they can help break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Here are three effec­tive steps young women can take:

Step 1: Listen without judgment

Create a safe space for young men to express their emotions without fear of judgment or criticism. Listen actively, and validate their feelings, acknowledging that their experiences are real and worthy of attention.

Step 2: Encourage professional help

Support young men in seeking professional help, such as therapy or counselling. Offer to help them find resources, make appointments, or accompany them to sessions. Please encourage them to prioritise their mental health and well-being.

Step 3: Foster a supportive envi­ronment

Create a supportive environment by promoting open conversations about mental health. Encourage young men to express themselves, and model healthy emotional expression yourself. By doing so, you can help break down the stigma surrounding depression and create a culture of understanding and empathy.

Conclusion

Depression is a complex issue that requires a supportive and non-judg­mental approach. Young women can play a vital role in helping young men overcome depression by listen­ing without judgment, encouraging professional help, and fostering a supportive environment. By working together, we can create a culture that promotes mental health, understand­ing, and empathy. Let’s break the silence and support each other in the journey towards healing and recovery.

-Jerry Fiadzenu(AUCB Student)

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 There is nothing like family. The people that are related by blood and marriage are expected to be our closest allies, greatest sources of love and support.

Too often, however, interactions with family are filled with misunder­standing and resentment, bickering and badgering.

Here are some tips to help bring family members closer

Take care of your health if you hope to take care of anyone else. The more demanding of your time your family is, the more you need to fit in exercise. Perhaps you and your family can seek out ways to exercise together.

1. Listen if you expect to be heard. Lack of communication is the loudest complaint in most families. The answer to “Why won’t they listen to me?” may be simply “You’re not listening to them.”

2. Teach emotional choice. Man­age your moods by letting all feelings be OK, but not all behaviours. Model behavior that respects and encourages the feelings and rights of others yet make it clear that we have a choice about what to do with what we feel.

3. Teach generosity by receiving as well as giving. Giving and receiving are parts of the same loving continu­um. If we don’t give, we find it hard to receive, and if we can’t receive, we don’t really have much to give. This is why selflessness carried to extremes is of little benefits to others.

4. Take responsibility for what you communicate silently. The very young and old are especially sensi­tive to nonverbal cues. More than our words, tone of voice, posture (body language), and facial expressions con­vey our feelings. We have to listen to our tone of voice and look at ourselves in pictures and in the mirror to assess our emotional congruency. Loving words coming through clenched teeth don’t feel loving—they feel confusing.

5. Don’t try to solve problems for your loved ones. Caring for your family doesn’t mean taking charge of their problems, giving unsolicited advice, or protecting them from their own emotions. Let them know their own strengths and allow them to ask you for what they need.

6. Make a lasting impression through actions. Your values will be communicated by your actions, no matter what you say. Be an example, not a nag.

7. Acknowledge your errors to everyone, including younger family members. Saying you’re sorry when you hurt someone you love, models humility and emotional integrity. You can demonstrate that no one is perfect, but everyone can learn at any age. Apologising proves you can forgive yourself and makes it easier to forgive others.

8. Discover what each person’s unique needs are. You can’t assume that your grandmother needs the same signs of love as your three-year-old or that either one will have the same needs next year. When in doubt, ask!

9. Be generous in expressing love. Everyone in a family (especially young children) needs the emotional reassurance of loving words, gestures, and looks. Those who demand the least emotional attention may need it most.