As the country marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, experts continue to raise concern over the persistent stigma surrounding men’s emotional well-being.
Cultural expectations, social pressures, and fear of judgment remain key barriers preventing many men from seeking help or openly discussing their mental health challenges.
During a Men’s Mental Health discussion hosted by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Psychiatrist and Chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Mental Health, Professor Solly Rataemane, urged stronger collective action to encourage men to speak openly about their struggles.
“Men must be encouraged to talk about their issues. For example, they can start talking to their friends. This way, the friends can identify key changes in their behaviour. These changes can be on very simple things like punctuality, social participation,” said Rataemane.
He emphasised that it is equally important for men to recognise when they need professional help.
“The man himself must accept that he needs help and that the problem is his. He must begin to explore avenues of help that are available for him,” he added.
Rataemane also cautioned against the dangers of suppressing emotions, warning that unresolved emotional distress can manifest in harmful physical or behavioural outbursts, sometimes leading to abusive patterns.
He further criticised societal norms such as “men don’t cry,” saying they contribute to toxic masculinity and discourage emotional openness.
Concluding his remarks, he called for stronger efforts to include boys in education and community development programmes as part of long-term mental health support strategies.
This year’s Men’s Mental Health Month is being observed under the theme “Partners in Care,” which highlights the importance of shared support, connection, and advocacy for both the mental and physical well-being of men.
