For generations, many men have been taught that strength means suppressing emotions, hiding pain and facing difficulties alone. From a health psychology perspective, these beliefs can negatively affect emotional well being, coping behaviours and mental health. Men and boys can experience gender based violence, emotional abuse and sexual violence, yet fear of stigma and social judgement may prevent them from reporting abuse or seeking professional help. When a man is told to “be a man” whenever he expresses distress, he may learn to suppress his emotions rather than address the psychological impact of his experiences. Emotional suppression does not necessarily resolve distress and may contribute to prolonged stress, anxiety, depression and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Health psychology examines how biological, psychological and social factors interact to influence health and illness. From this perspective, male victimhood is not only a social issue but also a public health concern. Experiences of abuse can affect a person’s emotional state, stress responses, sleep, concentration and general quality of life. Furthermore, traditional expectations of masculinity may discourage men from seeking medical attention, counselling or psychosocial support. Addressing these barriers is therefore essential to promoting mental health, preventing further suffering and encouraging healthier coping strategies among boys and men.
As we continue empowering the girl child, promoting women’s rights and protecting girls from gender based violence, we must also recognise the health and psychological needs of the boy child. Supporting boys does not undermine efforts to protect girls, instead, it promotes a more comprehensive approach to health and well being. We should not wait until men experience long term psychological distress before recognising the importance of early intervention. Preventive health education, emotional literacy and accessible counselling services should be introduced early in life so that both boys and girls learn to recognise abuse, manage stress and seek appropriate assistance.
From a health psychology perspective, seeking help is a positive health behaviour rather than a sign of weakness. Boys should grow up understanding that expressing emotions, reporting abuse and consulting a counsellor are responsible steps towards recovery. Families, schools, healthcare professionals and community organisations have an important role to play in creating supportive environments where boys and men can discuss their experiences without fear of ridicule. Mental health awareness programmes should challenge harmful gender stereotypes and encourage positive coping mechanisms, including emotional expression, problem solving, social support and professional counselling.
In Zimbabwe, the philosophy of Ubuntu, expressed through the principle “I am because we are,” provides a valuable foundation for promoting psychological well being. Ubuntu emphasises compassion, interconnectedness and collective responsibility. Applied to health psychology, it reminds us that emotional well being is influenced not only by individual experiences but also by family relationships, community attitudes and social support systems. When communities respond to male victims with empathy rather than blame, they can reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek the help they need. Recognising male victimhood does not diminish the disproportionate burden of gender based violence experienced by women and girls, rather, it strengthens collective efforts to prevent violence and improve mental health for everyone.
Ultimately, promoting health means creating conditions in which every person can achieve physical, psychological and social well being. Let us empower the girl child without neglecting the boy child, protect women without silencing men and promote mental health without turning gender into a competition. Through early intervention, inclusive health education, accessible psychological services and supportive communities, we can build a society in which no victim is afraid to speak and no individual is denied help because of gender expectations. If we want a healthier we must invest in the emotional well being of both boys and girls today. A man’s silence should never cost him his peace, because protecting mental health begins when every person is given the freedom to speak, the courage to seek help and the opportunity to heal.
Compiled by: Machangara Dylan
Psychology student level 4.1
Module : Health Psychology
