Relationship
The unsung heroines (women): How young women can help young men overcome depression
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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Building and maintaining healthy relationships is an important part of looking after our mental health. Here are six top tips to support you:
1. Get to know yourself
Take time to appreciate yourself and connect with your emotions. Being aware of your feelings allows you to express yourself clearly and effectively. Poor emotional regulation can negatively affect your mental wellbeing.
2. Put in the work
Healthy relationships are built, not found. They require commitment and a willingness to accommodate each other’s needs.
3. Set and respect boundaries
Boundaries communicate what you appreciate and what you don’t like in a relationship. For example, respecting your need for alone time helps prevent unrealistic expectations and reduces pressure on the relationship.
4. Talk and listen
Disagreements are normal. Focus on listening to understand, not just to respond. Be open about your emotions and vulnerabilities with people you trust.
5. Let go of control
You can only control your actions, not those of others. Accepting this reduces stress and saves time while fostering healthier interactions.
6. Reflect and learn
Healthy expression of feelings helps you respond appropriately to others. Often, anger stems from hurt; recognizing this allows for better communication and relationship building. Reflect on the relationships that work well in your life, identify their positive qualities, and apply these lessons elsewhere.
As parents on a mission, raise children who are not just successful, but cultured, morally upright, and ready to lead. The secret? Blend biblical principles and traditional values with practical parenting strategies that work in today’s world.
Ghana’s culture is built on respect, community, and integrity, and when combined with Christian values like love and forgiveness, it is a powerful combo for parenting. Teaching children about traditions, biblical truths, or the importance of greeting elders is not just about preserving culture—it is about building character.
5 Practical steps to raise disciplined, cultured kids
1. Set clear expectations
Explain rules and values clearly. For example, “We respect elders because God says ‘Honour your father and mother’” (Ephesians 6:2). Also, “We respect elders because they have lived longer and know more.” Align household rules with cultural values like obedience and responsibility.
2. Lead by example
Children mimic what they see. Show respect to elders, speak kindly, and demonstrate honesty in daily life. Proverb: “If you show a child how to behave, they’ll behave.” Moreover, Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way they should go …” You can also introduce them to traditional games like “Oware” or “Ampe,” which teach strategic thinking.
3. Teach emotional intelligence
Help children label emotions (“You’re feeling angry”). Encourage resolving conflicts peacefully—like using “sorry” to mend relationships. Ghanaian proverb: “A smooth sea doesn’t make a skilled sailor.”
4. Assign responsibilities
Give age-appropriate chores (e.g., fetching water, helping with cooking). It builds accountability and pride in contributing. Link chores to cultural values like communal living (“We all help in the community”) and biblical stewardship.
5. Embed culture and faith in daily life
Cook traditional foods like Banku, Jollof rice, or Fufu, tell folktales, or celebrate local festivals with prayer and gratitude. Discuss values like ubuntu (I am because we are) to teach teamwork and empathy; alongside God’s love for unity (John 13:34-35). Make culture fun and relatable.
Some other awesome ways to make Ghanaian culture relatable for children include:
- Sharing popular Ghanaian artists like Joe Mettle, Uncle Ato, or Obaapa Christie, and teaching traditional dances like Kpanlogo or Adowa.
- Exploring Ghanaian crafts like kente weaving or bead-making through online workshops.
- Talking about festivals like Homowo (celebrated by the Ga people) or Aboakyer (a deer-hunting festival) using cool videos and pictures online.
Why this matters for Ghana’s future leaders
- Respect and integrity: Cultured children grow into leaders who respect others and uphold ethical standards.
- Community mindset: Values like cooperation and serving others (Galatians 5:13) prepare them to contribute positively to society.
- Resilience: Cultural roots give children a strong identity, helping them navigate life’s challenges.
Parenting in the digital age
- Balance screen time with cultural activities. Use Anansi stories or Bible stories on YouTube or play Oware to teach strategy and patience.
- Discuss social media etiquette through the lens of respect, responsibility, and biblical wisdom (Proverbs 15:4).
Final thought for Ghanaian parents
February 2026 is a fresh start. Blend Ghana’s timeless values with modern tools to raise leaders who are grounded, respectful, and ready to thrive.
To be continued …
Source: REV. COUNSELOR PRINCE OFFEI and Counselor Blessing Offei’s insights on relationships, marriage, and parenting in Ghana. He is an author, mental health professional, lecturer, and marriage counsellor at COUNSELOR PRINCE & ASSOCIATES CONSULT (CPAC COUNSELLOR TRAINING INSTITUTE). He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
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