By C6s@r(Contributor)
The same man who puts food on the table is often the least appreciated. After all, providing is his duty, isn't it?
Pay that huge bride price or dowry—sometimes borrowed, sometimes earned through years of sacrifice—and still, no one seems to care about the modern-day Diokpa.
He is not a god.
He is the construction worker under the scorching sun, the security guard staying awake through the night, the farmer tilling the soil, the politician carrying the weight of public expectations, and every man striving daily to provide for those he loves.
Diokpa feels defeated when he cannot pay his rent. He breaks silently when his children are sent home because school fees remain unpaid. He carries invisible wounds whenever others belittle, disrespect, or make him feel inadequate.
He is challenged mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially.
Yet society teaches him to be strong, to endure, to remain silent.
The world mocks weak men, so he retreats into his shell like the proverbial tortoise, hiding his pain behind forced smiles and silent suffering. Many overlook his brokenness until the burden grows unbearable and his mental health crumbles.
If no one cares for him physically, we cannot expect anyone to care for him mentally.
Not just the African man, but every boy, father, husband, brother, and son deserves the freedom to cry when the weight of life becomes too heavy. Tears are not a sign of weakness; they are proof of humanity.
Men need support.
Men need understanding.
Men need safe spaces.
Men need to be heard.
Let Diokpa breathe.
Let him speak.
Let him heal.
Before another man dies in silence.
#SaveTheMan
#SaveOurMentalHealth
#DontDieInSilence
#LetDiokpaBreathe
#MensMentalHealthAwareness
Editor Note: This is part of the UCJ series on creative pieces for Men Mental Health Month
