Kenyan singer Jovial has made a powerful plea for society to pay more attention to the mental health of men. In a recent statement, she emphasized that men often silently endure significant struggles, due to societal norms and expectations.
Jovial, a mother herself, shared her own experiences with emotional expression.
“Being a man is an incredibly tough job!” she said. “When I’m frustrated, I usually lock myself in and cry. I hate sharing my problems, but it’s the only thing that gives me strength.”
She expressed her frustration with the double standards in how society views men and women’s emotional expression.
“Women are vocal, emotional, and expressive! But when a man cries, he’s seen as weak,” Jovial lamented. “Men are human too; they have feelings. We should learn to ask our fathers, brothers, sons, and men in our lives if they’re okay.”
Jovial’s call for empathy and support comes at a particularly relevant time. September is World Suicide Prevention Month, and the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (2024-2026) is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide.” The goal is to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations to prevent suicides.
By highlighting the importance of mental health for men, Jovial is contributing to a broader conversation about suicide prevention. Her message serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of gender, deserves support and understanding.