You can't be strong when dead - Medical practitioner to men battling depression silently

Dr. Anne Sansa Daly, a Ghanaian medical practitioner in the US, warns about hidden depression in men. She challenges the stigma surrounding male depression.

Men need to speak up to break the silence on depression.

On her health show "Health and Life with Dr. Daly," mental health was discussed. Experts addressed the serious issue of male depression and its deadly consequences.

Dr. Daly emphasized, "If you're a man, I know you have to be strong. But you can't be strong when you're dead; you have to try and fix it."

She added that societal expectations shouldn't stop men from seeking help. "When you're hurting, talk to someone," she urged.

Dr. Daly highlighted the risks of untreated depression due to these expectations. She encouraged men with symptoms to seek professional help: "If it's getting worse, please see a doctor."

Dr. Omane Acheamfour, a surgeon at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, also spoke on this topic. He discussed societal pressures that prevent men from seeking help.

"Men face pressure from society and women," he explained. "Imagine telling a woman 'I'm depressed.' What would she think? That pressure makes men hide their feelings."

He noted that while women may experience more depression, men are more successful in suicide attempts. "When a man decides to commit suicide, he does it," he stated.

Both doctors stressed that societal perceptions and stigma drive depression into secrecy, often leading to fatal outcomes.