As June 30, 2026, marks the end of Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, public health experts are emphasizing the societal stigmas that hinder men in Guyana from seeking mental health support. In an interview with HGP Nightly News, Collin Haynes, an International Health Consultant and Mental Health Advocate, discussed how societal definitions of masculinity contribute to men suffering in silence, leading to significant public health issues.
Haynes noted that a major challenge for health professionals is the reluctance of men to engage with the healthcare system. He explained that cultural expectations often dictate that men should have all the answers and suppress their emotional struggles. “There is a pervasive belief that because you are a man, you must have everything figured out and you must solve every single problem independently,” he stated. He emphasized the need for men to seek healthcare before their issues escalate.
Haynes identified several factors contributing to the mental health crisis among men in Guyana:
- Socio-Economic Triggers: The rising cost of living has increased pressure on men as primary providers, leading to psychological distress.
- Historical & Cultural Factors: Encouraging marginalized male groups, especially within Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese communities, to seek help is challenging due to historical trauma and taboos surrounding vulnerability.
- Technological Isolation: Modern men face pressures from digital connectivity and social media, which can exacerbate feelings of inadequacy.
- Maladaptive Coping Mechanisms: Social conditioning often leads men to mask their distress, resulting in aggressive behavior or social withdrawal.
Haynes called for a collective effort from families, faith-based organizations, and community groups to create safe spaces for men to express vulnerability. He stressed that breaking the stigma requires a cultural shift towards normalizing vulnerability, ensuring that men who seek help receive support rather than shame. As the awareness month concludes, the ERC and mental health NGOs are advocating for the establishment of male-only support groups and counseling clinics, aiming to prioritize mental wellness throughout Guyanese society.
Source: hgptv.com
