Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health Advocacy in Dubai

Men's Mental Health

Persistent loneliness can significantly impact men's mental health, leading to conditions such as depression or anxiety. In extreme cases, it can even result in suicidal ideation or acts. Chris Haill, a 56-year-old British expatriate living in Dubai, openly shares his experience as a suicide survivor and emphasizes the importance of addressing loneliness and mental health issues. Haill had cultivated a facade of confidence while battling insecurity, self-criticism, and addiction. His story underscores the hidden struggles that individuals may face behind a veneer of strength.

After moving to Dubai and achieving sobriety, Haill continued to grapple with internal challenges. Despite external success, he felt unworthy and struggled to open up about his feelings. Loneliness, depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts became daily battles, masked by a facade of normalcy. In 2020, he attempted suicide but survived, prompting him to become a mental health advocate.

Haill advocates for meaningful connections and encourages men to #JustReachOut for support. He believes that toxic masculinity, when internalized, contributes to mental anguish and isolation. The reluctance to seek help due to societal expectations and stigma contributes to higher suicide rates among men globally. By sharing his story, Haill aims to prevent others from reaching a point of despair and encourages open communication about mental health.

Mentl.space, a mental health advocacy platform founded by Scott Armstrong, also works towards destigmatizing mental health conversations. Armstrong, who lost his father to depression, emphasizes the impact of societal expectations on men's mental well-being. The platform aims to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, especially for men who may feel pressured to conform to traditional notions of strength.

Dubai is recognized as a progressive hub for mental health advocacy, with recent legislative changes aiming to destigmatize mental health in the workplace. The government's commitment to promoting happiness and well-being is reflected in new mental health laws that prioritize mental health support.

The American Perspectives Survey highlights a concerning trend where only 27% of men report having six close friends, a significant drop from 30 years ago. Additionally, 15% of men admit to having no close friends at all, marking a 500% increase since 1990. Well-being advocate Kes-Smith Green emphasizes the importance of developing meaningful connections and recommends platforms like "British Dads Dubai" as supportive communities for men.

Overall, the narrative emphasizes the urgency of addressing loneliness and mental health issues among men. It calls for breaking down societal expectations, fostering open conversations, and encouraging men to seek help when needed. The collective efforts of advocates like Chris Haill, Scott Armstrong, and Kes-Smith Green aim to create a supportive environment where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health without judgment or stigma.