The belief that seeking therapy means you are weak is false
Imagine this: Kojo has been feeling overwhelmed—work stress, family issues, and life wahala are all piling up. He decides to see a therapist, but his friends laugh at him. “Ei, are you mad? Be a man and handle it!” Sound familiar? Across Africa, many people believe that seeking therapy means you are weak, soft, or even “not normal.”
Why does this myth exist?
- Cultural expectations: We are raised to “be strong” and handle problems in silence.
- Lack of awareness: Many people don’t know what therapy really is or how it helps.
- Fear of judgment: Society shames those who open up about their struggles.
What is the impact of the myth?
- Hold in emotions: People suffer in silence instead of getting help.
- Increased mental health struggles: Stress, anxiety, and depression get worse when ignored.
- Pressure on men to be tough: Men, especially, are told to “man up” instead of seeking help.
How can we combat the myth?
- promote therapy: Seeing a therapist is just like seeing a doctor for malaria—it’s for your health!
- Encourage open conversations: Mental health is just as important as physical health.
- Highlight the benefits: Therapy helps people heal, grow, and become stronger, not weaker.
What is the bottom line?
Seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness! Strong people ask for help when they need it. Let’s change the narrative and take mental health seriously.