MCL marks Father’s Day with mental health awareness campaign among men

Dar es Salaam. The social stigma has been cited as the major challenge inhibiting the majority of Tanzanians with mental health challenges from seeking prerequisite care.

A specialist in mental health disorders at the Muhimbili National Hospital, Dr Praxeda Swai, unveiled the challenge Friday on June 14, 2024, when the Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) staff were visiting the hospital’s ward for male patients with mental disorders.

Their visit was part of celebrating Father's Day, which is marked annually on June 16 to honour fathers for fatherhood, paternal bonds, and their influence in society.

Speaking during the visit, Dr Swai, said stigma remains to be a major hurdle that discourages people from seeking mental health care and treatment.

"The presence of stigma hinders the community from accessing services, despite the growing awareness that mental health disorders are a valid concern,” she said.

"This has triggered the hesitation of the majority to assist. Accepting their condition can be prolonged, even when medication is recommended," she added.

However, Dr Swai underscored the global shortage of mental health professionals, noting that Tanzania faces inadequate numbers compared to other fields.

"This scarcity complicates efforts to educate and treat the community comprehensively. In Dar es Salaam, we are the sole facility providing inpatient mental health services, therefore we are often overwhelmed,” she explained.

Financial constraints further exacerbate the situation, she said, noting that some patients are unable to afford treatment charges, compounded by insufficient familial support.

According to her, in dire cases, social welfare interventions have been playing a significant role in facilitating patients to return home.

Reflecting on the event, MCL Executive Editor Victor Mushi explained that Father's Day is a platform to destigmatize men's mental health by igniting discussions in society.

"Many men are grappling with the challenges of depression, stress, and substance addiction, but are often reluctant to address those issues,” said Mr Mushi, who represented MCL Managing Director Bakari Machumu.

He said MCL was striving to normalise open nationwide conversations about mental health, saying fathers and the general public are encouraged to shamelessly seek professional support.

“Moving forward, MCL pledges to spotlight mental health stories, fostering dialogue and understanding among Tanzanians,” he added.

For his part, an occupational therapist, Dr Godfrey Kimathy, stressed the urgent need for raising mental health awareness and providing education from the primary school level.

"This initiative should aim at educating different groups, including motorcycle taxi operators, street vendors, and students, in order to facilitate the widespread of the awareness of mental health challenges," he shared.

MCL has learned that a person facing mental health challenges may not necessarily exhibit visible signs in public such as collecting waste or walking undressed.

Due to this realisation, MCL decided to conduct a session for its male employees, focusing on how to address mental health challenges and encourage them to feel comfortable sharing grievances they are facing, despite the presence of cultural norms that may view it as unusual.