Mental health is an important aspect of our overall well-being, yet for far too long, men have been socialised to suffer in silence. From societal expectations to traditional gender roles, these beliefs have created a space where men are often discouraged from expressing emotions, seeking help, or acknowledging vulnerability.
The impact of society’ expectations has placed a heavy burden on men, leading them to reach breaking point. Depression and suicide rates among men are the highest. Experts believe that if we start to break the silence, teaching boys from a young age that it is okay to express their emotions and seek help, many lives can be saved.
Health For Mzansi has written a few articles to explore the complex issues surrounding men’s mental health.
Mental health: ‘Teach men it is okay to not be okay’
Redefining masculinity and embracing vulnerability could be the key to men’s mental well-being. From stifling expectations of stoicism to limited expressions of vulnerability, Jacques de Lange and Sandile Radebe delve into the barriers hindering men from seeking the support they need for emotional well-being.
Babalo Tsoni, a public speaker based in Pinelands, Cape Town shared that tackling mental health challenges among men requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the barriers they face in accessing support. This includes addressing stigma, promoting open communication, increasing the availability of services, encouraging self-care practices, and teaching emotional literacy from a young age.
Mental health: Why it’s hard for men to open up
Mental health is an issue that affects everyone, irrespective of their gender, race, or social status. However, society has placed many expectations on men, such as being strong, independent, and resilient, making it difficult for them to open up about their mental health issues.
Health For Mzansi spoke to a mental health activist, who said that there is a stigma associated with people who battle mental health issues, especially men. We also share the story of a depression and suicide survivor, who started a support group for men.
Podcast: Therapist shines a light on men and mental health
Young boys are often urged to be tough cookies while growing up and when they fail to meet these expectations, they are deemed weak or labelled sissies when mental health issues arise. Occupational therapist Jerome Peter Fredericks from Paarl in the Western Cape takes a closer look at contributing factors.
Fredericks speaks about how the role of males in modern society is shaped by expectations, which are influenced by beliefs, customs, culture, and moral values. According to him, these expectations create pressure and standards for men to conform to, leading to potential feelings of inadequacy and stress. In essence, the expectations placed on men can define their behaviour and experiences in their communities.
Male infertility: It’s not just a women’s issue
Traditionally, when a couple struggles to conceive, the woman is often seen as the one who is at fault. This view contributes to a culture of shame and stigma around fertility issues, which could have a profound impact on a woman’s mental health and well-being. However, infertility is not only a women’s issue.
This article explores the causes, mental health impact, solutions, and the road forward when dealing with male infertility.
Men’s body image battles: ‘The struggle is real for us too’
Body image isn’t just something women struggle with. Men also face pressures and anxieties about their appearance. Banele Gcaba and Thekelo Ramatsetse share their journeys and insights on overcoming these challenges.
Banele Gcaba from Johannesburg explained the varied reasons for these struggles. He says societal pressures to conform to a certain type of masculinity are often driven by a desire to impress others. He adds that mental health and health concerns can also play a role in body image issues.
Men and boys: Shining a light on the forgotten victims of GBV
You might be surprised to learn that four in every ten reported domestic violence cases are men. While gender-based violence (GBV) against women is more widely discussed, it’s important to recognise that men can also be victims of this type of violence.
In this article, Patrick May from Rustenburg shared his heartfelt experience of how he was previously physically and emotionally abused by his ex-wife, and how that shaped him into feeling less of a man.
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