“Taking Off the Mask”: Experiences of Gender Roles and Mental Health Stigma for Men in Uganda

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of the current research was to understand the intersection of gender roles, societal expectations, and the experience of seeking mental health services for men in Uganda. Methods The study employed hermeneutic phenomenology to explore the experiences of men related to gender roles and their seeking of professional counselling services. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight men in Uganda who had received professional mental health services. Thematic analysis of interviews was conducted using the whole‐parts‐whole data analysis approach and hermeneutic circle in the tradition of hermeneutic phenomenology. Results Results include an overview of qualitative themes identified from thematic analysis. Themes described the impressions and experiences of men who received professional mental health experiences. Analysis of participant experiences yielded themes of “Be A Man,” “Burden of Strength”, and “Breaking the Cycle.” Conclusion The internal conflict of being a man who is self‐sufficient and needing mental health help was contradictory and induced feelings of shame rooted in the societal expectations of manhood. For men in Uganda, seeking help for emotional needs is a sign of weakness. Considering the lingering shame of associating mental health support with the HIV crisis, nonjudgmental attitudes are critical for mental health professionals serving men in Uganda and African nations.