The Weight of Silence: Ore Oduba and the Hidden Cost of Manning Up

But beyond the headlines, Oduba’s story forces us to confront something far bigger, the culture of shame that keeps so many men suffering in silence.

The Culture of “Man Up”

From an early age, many boys are taught that strength means suppression. Don’t cry. Don’t complain. Don’t be weak. Emotions are neatly folded away, replaced by a performance of control and composure. By the time they reach adulthood, this conditioning becomes armour, one that hides fear, pain, and vulnerability behind smiles and success.

But emotional suppression isn’t strength; it’s survival. And it’s costly. Men who grow up internalising these messages often find themselves unable to express hurt, seek help, or confront trauma. Instead, they turn inward, numbing pain through work, substances, distractions, or, as in Ore’s case, addictive behaviour that offers escape from emotional reality.

When Vulnerability Becomes Strength

Oduba’s openness doesn’t make him weak, it makes him courageous. In a society that still praises stoicism over softness, choosing transparency is a radical act. His story breaks the myth that men are less emotional or less affected by trauma; it reminds us that pain doesn’t discriminate by gender.

What he’s doing, speaking, owning, healing, is the very definition of strength. Vulnerability is not the absence of power; it’s the birthplace of it.

Rethinking Masculinity and Mental Health

This Men’s Mental Health Month, Ore’s voice is a reminder that we need to change how we define masculinity. True strength lies in self-awareness. It’s in saying, “I’m not okay.” It’s in asking for help before things fall apart. It’s in breaking cycles that have been normalised for generations.

Because silence can feel safe, until it starts to suffocate. If there’s one takeaway from Ore’s story, it’s that healing begins with honesty. When men are given space to share, they don’t just free themselves, they create permission for others to do the same.

So maybe it’s time we retire the phrase “man up.” Maybe real courage looks like letting go, speaking out, and admitting that sometimes strength means being seen.

If you are struggling or know someone who is suffering, we have compiled a list of mental health charities organisaandtions who support men globally.

1. Movember Foundation Global: Available in 20+ countries. They fund men’s health projects including mental health & suicide prevention.

2. BROS GLOBAL (“Brothers Reaching Out in Solidarity”): Available in 85+ countries. Safe space for men, global peer-support network.

3. HeadsUpGuysCanada: They offer a global online audience resource, self-help tools, men-specific mental health support.

4. Global Action on Men’s Health (GAMH UK-based, global network Advocacy & policy for men & boys’ health globally. They focus on more strategic/advocacy-oriented work great for thought leaders.

5. DEI Embrace Foundation Uganda (East Africa): Men & boys mental health, culturally safe access, community awareness. They are great for diaspora/Africa perspective; they cater to for Black / mixed audiences.

6. HeCareZA South Africa: Peer-support, men’s mental wellness, also tackling masculinity & gender norms For African / mixed-heritage content; also links to gender/masculinity themes.

7. M.A.T.E (Men And Their Emotions) UK : Peer-to-peer support, safe space for men to share experiences Good for UK audiences and for community-storytelling.

8. Men Who Talk UK : Informal safe spaces for men to talk, online groups, workplace focus Useful for workplace / process improvement angle (ties to your governance / process improvement domain).

9. The Outback Mind Foundation Australia (regional men) : Focus on men in regional Australia; men’s circles, emotional literacy, preventative approach Interesting case study of how men are reached in non-urban settings, could be inspirational for content.

10. Mens Foundation Online / global (launched 2025) : Free online assessments, tools, safe space for men’s mental health Good digital/tech & content tie-in for your audience; may be newer but agile.

11. MANUP: A UK-based charity dedicated to men’s mental health.They run free therapy sessions and “MANUP Talks” (via Zoom) for men, facilitated by qualified psychotherapists, anonymous/optional video.