It is a fact that most agree with, more Samoan men are leaning toward suicide and there has been a significant rise in mental health cases among men in recent years.

The way the culture has perceived the role of man through centuries, this is a notion that would be laughed at, but that is all but a defence mechanism to shield or deflect the real issue, that the current changing economic landscape is putting more mental health pressure on men.

This is also a subject that is not too commonly discussed because the Samoan man is a macho figure, he is the protector and provider and he cannot be seen as a weak figure, someone affected by issues related to mental health.

Co-founder of Soul Talk Samoa Trust, Reverend Dr. Alesana Pala'amo is of the view that mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are on the rise among Samoan men, with many struggling to cope with the pressures of modern life.

One of the many factors contributing to this rise in mental health issues is the traditional expectations placed on men in Samoa. The Samoan culture expects a lot from men and this can place a heavy burden on men.

"These cultural expectations can create a sense of responsibility and duty that may be overwhelming for some men, especially when faced with economic challenges or societal changes," he told this newspaper.

Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health in Samoa can prevent men from seeking help when they are struggling. Mental health is often seen as a taboo subject, and seeking help for psychological issues is viewed as a sign of weakness.

The World Health Organisation describes mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.

It is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in. Mental health is a basic human right. And it is crucial to personal, community, and socio-economic development.

Perhaps this is one of the reasons why it is much easier for men to indulge in alcohol abuse and be prone to violent acts including domestic violence. A study into this phenomenon would yield interesting results.

Mental health is more than the absence of mental disorders. It exists on a complex continuum, experienced differently from one person to the next, with varying degrees of difficulty and distress and potentially very different social and clinical outcomes.

A study on mental health in Samoa shows that until the 1960's, many Samoans believed that mental illness was brought on by the devil. A "demon" living inside the person caused them to act the way they were. This was a widespread misperception all across the world, but very strong in Samoa because of the heavy influence of Christianity.

This is slowly changing and people in Samoa are slowly acknowledging what mental health diseases are but very few take steps to get their loved ones treated. It is much harder for men.

In Samoa, someone with mental health illnesses is either ignored or brushed aside by society by saying ‘he has gone nuts’.

Mental health is described as a state of well-being where a person can cope with the normal stresses of life. This state permits productive work output and allows for meaningful contributions to society.

Don’t we want this for Samoa? A more productive society and a society where all aspects of health, both mental and physical are looked after.

We all know that different circumstances may affect the ability to handle life’s curveballs. These factors may also disrupt daily activities, and the capacity to manage these changes. That is why mental health should be a priority for the health system, even for the education sector.

The lack of mental health care in the nation has taken a setback. The only psychiatrist has taken on a more academic role, a not-for-profit body has had to close down, and with it the suicide helpline it used to operate.

The main hospital is in tatters, so you can imagine where all the focus is. However, there is a silver lining if there is commitment. Private corporations can look into the mental welfare of their staff through awareness and counselling sessions.

Government offices can take a similar approach. But in the end, what is needed is a renewed look at mental health and not just celebrating World Mental Health Day by having a parade through town.