Feeding Men’s Minds: Tackling Hidden Depression in Malta
Men’s mental health is a critical topic that often goes unnoticed, with depression frequently masked by daily routines and social expectations. Mental health expert Owen O’Kane highlights loneliness as a key yet overlooked symptom of depression, a sentiment that resonates within Malta’s vibrant yet sometimes isolating social culture. O’Kane emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms like negative thought patterns and loss of interest in activities, encouraging men to seek help when bad days outweigh the good. Malta’s Mediterranean diet, rich in omega-3s and antioxidants, offers natural support for mental health, showcasing how food can play a vital role in emotional wellbeing. Restaurants and cafés in Malta could foster mental health conversations by promoting mindful environments and featuring nutrient-rich dishes that boost mood and resilience. From seafood packed with omega-3s to vegetable-based comfort foods, the local culinary scene has the potential to champion both physical and emotional nourishment. Normalizing discussions about men’s mental health is essential to breaking stigmas and fostering societal change.
Title: Men’s Mental Health Matters: Breaking the Silence on Hidden Depression
In the fast-paced world we live in, it’s easy to overlook the quiet struggles that many men face. Depression, often masked by work, socializing, and day-to-day routines, remains hidden in plain sight. Mental health expert Owen O’Kane pinpoints loneliness as one of the most overlooked signs of depression—an issue that’s just as relevant in Malta’s vibrant culture as it is anywhere else in the world.
Speaking on the Well Enough podcast hosted by Emilie Lavinia, O’Kane shared insights on the subtle yet impactful symptoms of depression that men often fail to recognize. He explained: “You never see in an NHS tick box ‘loneliness’ as a symptom. Yet, it’s probably one of the key indicators—people feel very, very lonely and disconnected in some way.” This sentiment resonates in Malta, where the blend of close-knit communities and modern pressures can sometimes leave individuals feeling isolated despite the lively social scene.
For many men, maintaining a façade of normality—going to work, sharing laughs at a bar, attending football matches—can make it difficult to identify when they need help. But the truth is, depression can manifest as negative thought patterns, a lack of interest in enjoyable activities, and even a sense of paralysis when faced with simple tasks like going to the store. As O’Kane advises, “If the bad days start to outnumber the good days, that’s the time to seek help and support or at least talk to someone.”
A balanced lifestyle, including nourishing food, physical activity, and meaningful social connections, plays an integral role in mental health and wellbeing. Malta, with its Mediterranean diet—rich in fresh vegetables, olive oil, and fish—offers an abundance of mental health-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Research shows that diets high in these essential nutrients can reduce symptoms of depression, making Malta’s culinary scene a natural ally in promoting emotional resilience.
O’Kane’s books, such as Addicted to Anxiety, provide practical tools for recognizing harmful thought patterns and creating positive habits. In conversation with TV presenter and mental health advocate Matt Johnson, O’Kane emphasized the importance of taking that first step, even when everything feels overwhelming. “If somebody can realize that this initial step can be one of the most powerful you can take, there’s real freedom in that,” he said.
Johnson, who has openly shared his personal struggles with depression and anxiety, highlighted the toll of “faking it until you make it.” He described the difficulty of maintaining a mask of normalcy while battling overwhelming feelings of isolation and despair. “The inauthenticity of life was the real problem for me,” Johnson admitted, recalling how diagnosis gave him clarity and allowed him to begin addressing his mental health.
For those in Malta, where the Mediterranean lifestyle encourages community and connection, it’s vital to foster spaces where men can open up about their mental health. Restaurants and cafés, often the heart of social life here, could play a bigger role in these conversations by offering welcoming environments that promote mindfulness and wellness. Whether it’s hosting mental health awareness events or featuring mood-boosting dishes rich in vitamins D and B12, the local food scene could become a source of healing and support.
The Well Enough podcast also delves into broader issues such as toxic masculinity, self-optimization culture, and the need for mental health education in schools. Suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50 in the UK—a sobering statistic that underscores the urgency of these discussions. While statistics specific to Malta may vary, the underlying message is universal: mental health is just as important as physical health.
Functional wellbeing—building physical strength and resilience—is often prioritized, particularly in male-dominated spaces. Yet emotional wellbeing, embracing challenging feelings, and allowing oneself to struggle are equally vital. O’Kane’s advice? “Treat yourself as someone who matters.” This sentiment extends to the choices we make daily, including the food we consume, the environments we frequent, and the conversations we have.
Malta’s restaurants, with their focus on fresh, wholesome ingredients, could be champions of mental health by creating menus that celebrate the connection between nutrition and emotional wellbeing. From hearty seafood dishes packed with omega-3s to comforting soups made with locally sourced vegetables, these meals can provide both physical nourishment and emotional comfort.
As Johnson and O’Kane discuss, normalizing conversations about men’s mental health is key to breaking down stigmas and fostering a healthier society. Whether you’re dining at a seaside eatery in Valletta or enjoying a quiet moment at a rural café in Gozo, remember to take time to nourish not just your body, but your mind too.
Take control of your wellbeing one small step at a time. Listen to the Well Enough podcast for more evidence-based wellness insights, and explore Malta’s culinary scene for delicious ways to support your health. Because a balanced lifestyle—mind, body, and soul—starts with treating yourself as someone who truly matters.