Dr. Zoe Wyatt Advocates for a Simple and Sustainable Approach to Men's Mental Health in Mauritius

As International Men's Day (November 19) and the Movember movement bring men's mental health to the forefront of discussions, clinical consultant and researcher Dr. Zoe Wyatt-Potage calls for pragmatic action: "It is the daily habits, not grand resolutions, that protect our well-being."

Mauritius continues to top the African rankings in the World Happiness Report, yet the latest data indicates a slight decline in the average life satisfaction score, dropping from 6 to 5.8 out of 10. A subtle but telling shift, according to Dr. Wyatt-Potage: "This is not a crisis, but a signal. Small imbalances such as stress, lack of sleep, screen overload, and financial worries ultimately affect our mood and vitality."

Men at the Heart of the Matter

Globally, men are more likely to die by suicide than women, and Mauritius is no exception. For the researcher, this reality underscores the urgency of addressing men's mental health in a practical, non-stigmatizing way that is rooted in everyday life: "Solutions exist, and they are simple: move for ten minutes, get natural light, have a real conversation each week. These repeated actions make a measurable difference in sleep, mood, and resilience."

Seven Habits to Adopt

In her article A Small Slide, A Big Opportunity: Everyday Steps for Men's Wellbeing, Dr. Wyatt-Potage offers seven concrete, accessible steps for everyone:

These recommendations are based on scientific studies from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral health, yet their implementation remains deliberately simple.

"The key is not perfection; it’s consistency. Every small change counts," she reminds us.

A Message for Businesses and Families

Dr. Wyatt-Potage also invites leaders and team managers to play an active role in this dynamic: "A weekly check-in, clear expectations, and genuine recognition are enough to create a healthier work environment without extra costs."

She emphasizes the need to normalize conversations about mental health, especially in professional spaces, where men may still hesitate to open up.