– A look at the stigma, challenges, and quiet changes around men’s mental health in Guyana

WHEN we hear about men’s health, most tips and ideas typically revolve around diet and exercise. But men’s health, like all human health, is not fully understood unless mental health is also included. Every year in June, the world observes World Men’s Health Month as a way to look out for and care for the men around us. Still, addressing men’s mental health, particularly in a country like Guyana, remains a touchy topic for many. Whether it’s through a sit-down with a licensed professional or a deep conversation with the boys at the barbershop, men’s mental health needs to be talked about.

This week, the Pepperpot Magazine sat down with psychologist and model David Loncke to explore the hurdles that exist in men’s mental health, the gaps in available support, and what we can do as family and friends to encourage the men around us to open up. Loncke works with the Ministry of Health on well-being management, providing counselling, behaviour modification, psycho-education, and community outreach. But his passion for mental health goes beyond the government sphere. Loncke also engages in freelance mental health talks and peer education, using his platform as a model and creative to advocate for awareness. “I just genuinely love interacting with people. I’ve always had a gift for providing a listening ear and making people feel like they could be themselves and express themselves,” he shared.

David’s first job was what made him realise his passion for people. Just out of school, he worked as a lead agent in the concierge executive lounge at the Marriott Hotel. It was there he realised how naturally people gravitated toward him, not just for service, but to talk about their lives, feelings, and even ask for guidance. “I honestly felt like people just gravitated to me, not only for their guest needs but just generally talking about life and things they experienced, looking for recommendations and advice,” he shared. That experience planted the seed for his eventual journey into psychology and mental wellness.

Now, years later, Loncke’s role places him at the forefront of mental health in Guyana, particularly when it comes to men. In his interview, he explained that the negative experiences men face when trying to access mental health care are deeply rooted in stigma. “I definitely feel like men are apprehensive toward seeking help for many reasons. One is stigma and the fact that many people think that you’re weak. They think you’re not a ‘bad man’ or that if you try to get help or vent about your problems, you’re the problem, or you’re soft,” he said.

Another major hurdle faced by men seeking mental health help is fear of a breach of confidentiality. According to Loncke, this fear is very real, with many agencies failing to respect the privacy of their clients. He added that even when men do try to seek help, they’re often met with judgement or betrayal. “Sometimes the agencies that are supposed to help are part of the problem,” he further noted that, “It’s so disheartening when people want help, especially men, and then you hear, ‘Oh, he comes and the girl said this and whatever, I never knew this about him.’ That person never comes back.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There are safe spaces for men in Guyana. Loncke has seen encouraging signs in places like barbershops and on social media, which have become new but impactful spaces for men to open up, feel safe, and be heard. “There are people who vent, even on social media. Though it may not always be in the best way, I appreciate that expression is meaningful,” he said. “I feel like the barbershop is such a therapeutic place for men. You have community, you have camaraderie, even if it’s the most professional conversation or the shallowest one, there is some sense of stress release and laughter,” he added.

Still, the conversation on men’s mental health needs all our voices. While individual conversations are powerful, Loncke emphasised the need for systemic change, especially to fill service gaps for both young and older men. “There are people who need support, and they don’t have the resources,” he said. According to him, one of the most pressing challenges is that men in Guyana are often pulled in multiple directions, trying to meet everyone’s expectations: family, workplace, society. This leads to identity crises and eventual burnout. “Everybody has this need and expectation of you as a man, and you want to please everybody, so you’re pulled in different directions, and eventually, you do yourself a disservice,” he explained.

Looking at generational differences and coping mechanisms across age groups, Loncke shared that while younger men may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, older men tend to display more anger-related issues. “There are people who bottle up emotions, and the only way they know to deal with it is the bottle, or drugs, marijuana, alcohol. In the schools, especially with teens and younger men, there’s a lot of vaping, marijuana use, and alcohol.” He further added that “For older men, there are anger management challenges. That’s a big issue.”

And these concerns often start early. Loncke pointed out that many young boys showing signs of ADHD are dismissed as “just being boys.” Left unaddressed, these patterns can develop into larger issues in adulthood: poor work performance, reckless behaviour, and substance use. “What I would have learned in research is that studies show speeding on the roadways can be a symptom of ADHD in adult men. If we look at the statistics from the traffic reports, you’d want to know why all these accidents are happening. Most of the time, it’s speeding, substance misuse, or some other underlying issue,” he said.

While the creative space provides mental relief for Loncke, he is passionate about prioritising his own mental health. “I first try to practise mindfulness and self-awareness, relative to how I feel, and monitor my stress levels, considering there are different types of stress, some that fuel performance.” He added that “If it’s a major issue, I check in with my professional. I have a mental health professional, too, because whether it’s projects or school, you could go to counselling just for guidance. I go to the gym as well.”

For the men who are struggling to grasp or understand their mental health, or when it all feels like too much, Loncke has some advice, “I would say acknowledge how you feel and make the decision as to whether you want to continue feeling that way or whether you want to live a meaningful life. And if the answer is the latter, get yourself the help you need and surround yourself with people and things that help you.” Because while World Men’s Health Month is a start, true progress begins when we create safe spaces, listen more, judge less, and give men permission and space to be vulnerable.