´óÏó´«Ã½

"You know the African way of raising kids and raising men - we are taught you should keep it all to yourself, don't open up."

Male suicide rates far outnumber female rates in Africa – that’s according to the WHO. Some health experts put this down to the stigma that surrounds men's mental health, which discourages men from speaking up and seeking help before their problems get too difficult to manage.

But several men across East Africa are now trying to change this - and open up a conversation around mental health. They include Michael Baruti, who has started a podcast called ‘Men Men Men’ - a platform where men can share their struggles and challenges - and Eddy Kimani, a television personality in Kenya who has spoken publicly about his own battle with depression.

They spoke to Alan about the importance of conversation and how to address the stigma.

Presenter: Alan Kasujja (@kasujja)