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{
    "id": 1443266,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1443266/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 36,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen Tabitha Mutinda",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "and mental health disorders are the leading cause of morbidity. Men in particular face unique challenges and are less likely to seek help due to societal expectations and stigma. Recent statistics reveal a grim picture. Suicide is a leading cause of death among Kenyan men. The Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KNBS) statistics report that men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. Men are more likely to engage in substance abuse as a coping mechanism for unaddressed mental health issues. This not only exacerbates mental health problems, but also leads to higher rates of addiction and related health complications. Mental health disorders contribute to a significant economic burden due to lost productivity, healthcare costs and social welfare expenses. Men are often seen as primary breadwinners. They face immense pressure, further deteriorating their mental health. The cultural expectation for men to be stoic, strong and self-reliant prevents most of them from seeking help. This toxic masculinity not only isolates men, but also discourages open conversations about mental health. The stigma associated with mental illness further exacerbates the issue leading to under-reporting and under-treatment. We must take immediate and decisive action to address men's mental health issues. The following measures are essential- (1) The Government should launch nationwide campaigns to raise awareness about men's mental health, encouraging men to seek help in breaking the stigma associated with mental health issues. (2) Promote mental health programmes in workplaces, encouraging employers to provide support and resources for employees' mental well-being. This can include employee assistance programs and mental health days. (3) Establish community-based support networks where men can discuss mental health issues openly and receive peer support. These networks can be facilitated through local health centers, religious institutions and community organisations. (4) Integrate mental health education into school curriculums to foster easy understanding and destigmatization of mental health issues among young men. This can help create a more open and supportive environment for future generations. Mr. Speaker, several initiatives have proven effective in supporting men's mental health globally, and we can adopt these to our context- (1) The Movember Foundation focuses on men's mental health issues, including mental health. They run awareness campaigns and fund research to improve mental health towards men. (2) Heads Up Guys. This Canadian initiative provides online resources especially for men. It is an online resource for men offering practical advice. (3) Manage depression and other mental health issues, creating a Kenyan version of such a resource. (4) Man therapy: This innovative approach uses humor and relatable content to engage men in conversations about mental health. It provides resources and encourages men to seek help in a non-threatening way. A similar campaign in Kenya could help break down barriers. (5) Community-based programmes like Men's Shed Australia provide a space for men to come together, work on projects and talk about their mental health. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Director, Hansard and AudioServices, Senate."
}