If The Men Are Whole The Women Will Have To Fight Less -Tunmise Oladapo Kuku
By Temidayo Anthony
Publisher BorderlessMediaNg
The anticipated event ” A Fight For Life ( Mental health conference for men ) which focus on men’s mental well being, created room for men to be vulnerable and find strength in weakness took place recently. conference held on Nov 23, 2024 at The Rembradnt Hall Ikeja. the organizer of the conference Media practitioner and the lead creative at Blackhemages Media Concepts Tunmise Oladapo Kuku at the retreat( A fight for life) emphasized that the issue of men’s mental health is of utmost importance which is being taken with levity, Men especially African men are burden carriers who are not allowed to show emotions which portray them as weak in society, overlooking the need for expression of emotions to create a balance in gender and safe space for the family.
During her speech Tunmise Kuku said if the men are whole the women will have less to fight, as the head of home a man’s actions and in actions have a lasting effect on the family, citing herself as a person with bipolar disorder which she has to battle with, it is imperative to advocate for men on mental health issues and know it is okay to seek help.
One of the speakers at the event Dr Olugbenga Coker a physiologist spoke on the mindful workshop where he identified the mental health as state of well being where individuals identify his or her potentials.
he listed the biggest cause of mental issues in men as work 32%, Finance 31%, and health 23%%.
During the session he stated that 3 out of 4 persons are suicidal , while 19% of men are diagnosed with mental health issues. Mental health issues are accumulated burden that sometimes lead to depression, distraction, vulnerability and sometimes suicide all of which affect men and the family.
The healing process is to identify the problem and find strength in weakness, speak to the right people. Dr Olugbenga emphasized it is not wrong to be weak just don’t let it subdue you, he advocated for men to speak up and seek help when one notice the gradual changes that affect the everyday life, if a man’s mental health is stable it will have a ripple effect on him amd those in his environment.
Finally he said interpersonal relationship is of utmost in life, meditate and maintain positive energy as the the destination in life determines the direction, it is okay to be vulnerable as a man.
Other parts of the retreat A Fight For Life includes guided meditation, connecting your emotions with your inner being, a guide to using the journal, games and fun time.
it was a retreat/conference that was worth the time for attendees.
