MEDIA AND MULTICULTURALISM – GENDER NORMS AND MENTAL HEALTH OF BOYS AND MEN IN KENYA

There is an increase in mental health crisis, especially among men and boys. In the African culture, men are expected to be strong and not to portray emotions. The stigma surrounding mental illness that men face usually hinders them from seeking help, adhering to treatment, and disclosing their mental health problems. Mental health stigma and adhering to strict masculine norms can lead to poor health seeking behavior, substance abuse, depression and anxiety, interpersonal relationship difficulties, violence, and increasing psychological distress. This article reviews the structural determinants of men’s mental health and the role of the media. The article ends with a positionality statement from the author regarding this topic of men’s mental health.