Growing societal pressures and expectations surrounding men’s mental health continue to make it more difficult for men to speak openly about the challenges they face.
Behavioural Health Practitioner and Neuro-Life Coach Mpumelelo Phakathi warned that this could contribute significantly to gender-based violence, particularly where there are no safe spaces for men to express their emotions.
“Society has placed us in situations where we need to be strong. Men have been labelled as people who do not have emotions and should not shed tears. We forget that we are human beings and that we feel just like everyone else. We have emotions too. Even in our culture, once you start becoming emotional with a friend, he is more likely to offer you a beer than to listen while you talk about your problems,” Phakathi said during an exclusive interview on Breakfast With You on YOU FM.
Despite these ongoing challenges, Phakathi believes that open dialogue and creating safe spaces for men remain key to addressing the problem.
“It is very important to reach out. No man should suffer alone or in silence. Let it be a choice, not because there is nowhere to turn. Counselling is available. Suffering in silence is not the solution. Some of us were never taught how to deal with life’s challenges,” he added.
Meanwhile, during this year’s Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month in June, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities raised concerns about the rising suicide rate among men and young boys.
The department has since partnered with various stakeholders to roll out initiatives aimed at promoting mental health awareness and improving access to support services.
