Latest news with #MenMentalHealth
Mail & Guardian
6 days ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Therapy alone won't resolve men's mental health problems caused by socio-economic stressors
Graphic: John McCann/M&G While Mental Health Awareness Month (May) and Men's Mental Health Month (June) have ended, the conversation about mental health must not. In a country where mental health issues are becoming an epidemic, sustained dialogue is essential. Men are often underrepresented in mental health statistics, not because they face fewer problems, but because they are less likely to seek help. When they do respond to mental distress, it is often in extreme ways such as substance abuse, isolation or suicide. In South Africa, socio-economic stressors are primary causes of mental health crises especially for black men and people of colour. As such, socio-economic interventions should be prioritised, with therapy serving as a complementary, not primary, solution. This perspective may seem controversial, but we are not against therapy; we encourage people to use it. Where trauma that has no economic aetiology therapy should be the first line of action. We make the above very clear here and an exception. When poverty, unemployment and financial stress are the root causes of mental health deterioration, especially in the context of high unemployment, the solution must begin with economic rehabilitation, job creation, social investment and poverty alleviation. In their book Although their study focuses on hip-hop in Western contexts, the parallels to South Africa in terms of financial meltdown are undeniable. The majority of the artists discussed in the book were men, and common themes included financial hardship and limited opportunities. The authors found that those facing economic insecurity reported higher levels of hopelessness, anxiety and depression, often precursors to suicide. The same pattern is visible among South African men. Africa has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The South Africa ranks among the top 10 countries globally with the highest suicide rates. In 2019, the country recorded 13,774 suicide deaths, 10,861 of them men. In 2021, the suicide rate rose to 18%, highlighting the urgency of addressing the root causes behind these figures. An article published in the by a psychologist, Given the above, the next step is to advise these men to seek help through therapy. But context matters. Considering the state of the economy in the country, the economic lens should be the first lens we need to observe the state of men's mental health. First, a single therapy session costs Second, gaps in public healthcare do not allow effective therapy sessions, because they are overwhelmed and under-resourced. South Africa has only Third, despite having one of Africa's most advanced healthcare systems, South Africa lacks a Fourth, therapy is still seen as foreign and unfamiliar by many men. Asking them to expose emotional vulnerabilities to a stranger, without addressing their material struggles, often feels not only impractical but also alienating. Men, often expected to be family providers, are at breaking point given their inability to provide for their families. They migrate to urban areas in the hope of financial upliftment, only to be met with limited opportunities and high expectations from family back home. This drives them towards depression and anxiety. We cannot use therapy alone to solve mental health problems. Therapy is necessary but it cannot resolve the country's lagging economy and unemployment. There is a necessity for urgent and massive economic reforms to address this crisis. The mental health crisis among South African men is not only a psychological issue; it's also a socio-economic one. Therapy can support healing but there must be broader structural change: job creation, economic investment, and sustainable livelihoods. By reframing the conversation around men's mental health to include economic justice, we will move closer to real solutions. Until then, we risk treating symptoms while ignoring the disease. Edmund Terem Ugar is a doctoral candidate at the Department of Philosophy, University of Johannesburg. Zimasa Klaas is the head of human resources at Opti-Num Solutions. The opinions expressed in this article do not represent the views of their employers.
News24
14-06-2025
- Health
- News24
Men's mental health awareness month: How to help dad take the load off this Father's Day
Every June, the global mental health community highlights the mental and physical health challenges men face. Also in June is Father's Day - a special day you can use to help your dad (or father figure) better his mental health with thoughtful activities. From shared activities like gardening or preparing his favourite meals to letting Dad sleep in, these gestures promote relaxation, mental clarity, and bonding. Every June marks Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, an initiative highlighting the many pressing mental and physical health issues men and boys face. Most men rarely speak out about their troubles - particularly mental health challenges - due to fear of judgement and societal stigma. This silent battle has led to alarming suicide rates among men, with men being more than four times more likely to die by suicide than women in South Africa. This is why Father's Day, observed on 15 June this year, is the perfect day to make the remarkable man in your life feel seen and heard. With these affordable yet straightforward ideas, you can put a smile on your father-figure's face without breaking the bank: Encourage rest Why not let Dad sleep in while you and the rest of the family handle all of his usual chores? While they won't admit it, most men struggle to relax and may need a bit of a push. Do some self-care If your dad is old school, then he's probably never had a facial. Why not invest in some facemasks and scrubs and treat him to a gentle mini-spa treatment? You can get creative and throw in a hand, foot and upper back massage, too. Get moving together Another great stress reliever is exercise. You can encourage Dad to get moving this Father's Day by planning a short but effective workout. You could do some yoga, try a cardio class or even go for a short walk around your neighbourhood. Cook for him Most dads love a hearty meal - especially one they didn't have to spend time preparing. Make your dad all his favourite dishes for you to enjoy together, either around the dinner table or picnic-style. This thoughtful gesture will show him how much you appreciate everything he does. Garden together Gardening is one of the best ways to clear up some mental space. Buy a few plants and take some time out of your day to plant them with your dad. This activity is not only calming but an excellent way for you and your dad to spend some time together and engage in meaningful conversation.
Malay Mail
07-06-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Letting it all out: Breaking the silence around men's mental health — Nurfilzah Emily Mohamad Khairuddin
JUNE 7 — Many men carry storms in their hearts that no one sees, just because the world often expects them to be silent warriors: strong, unshaken, and always composed. They walk through life bearing the weight of pain, pressure, expectations and grief all while being told to 'stay strong' and 'man up.' But this June, during Men's Mental Health Month we're breaking the silence. Because behind that silence, there is often a boy who was once told not to cry. A man who's tired of pretending. A heart that aches for someone to say, 'It's okay. You're allowed to feel.' Let's begin here, it's okay to cry. Tears are not a sign of weakness. They're a release, a cleansing. They say, 'This matters. I am hurting. I am human.' If only the world could hear the stories behind those tears such as the father trying to provide without losing himself, the young man struggling to find his worth, the husband silently grieving a miscarriage and the student battling anxiety behind good grades. These are not dramatic stories. They are real ones and they deserve to be spoken, heard and held with kindness. But men are often taught that silence equals strength. That showing emotions makes them 'less of a man.' That vulnerability is dangerous. So they bottle things up, mask their emotions, distract themselves with work, sports or scrolling but deep down they are running on empty and what happens when emotions don't have a voice? They find other ways to scream through anger, numbness, insomnia, health issues or sudden withdrawal. This isn't weakness. It's a sign he needs help. He needs a safe space. Here's the truth, asking for help is an act of bravery. There is no shame in seeing a counselor, reaching out to a friend or admitting that life feels overwhelming. — Chinnapong/Shutterstock pic via AFP Here's the truth, asking for help is an act of bravery. There is no shame in seeing a counselor, reaching out to a friend or admitting that life feels overwhelming. In fact, the moment you say 'I'm struggling', you take back your power. You allow healing to begin. You remind yourself that you're not alone and that pain doesn't have to be your permanent home. Professional help whether it's therapy, support groups or a warm conversation can be life-changing. No one should have to suffer in silence when healing is possible. And dear men, your emotions are valid. You don't have to 'get over it' quickly. You don't need to be okay just because others expect you to be. You're allowed to feel frustrated, confused, lost, broken, joyful, emotional, grateful all in the same breath. Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. You matter. Not for how strong you appear but for who you are, deep down, when no one's watching. Find your safe people. Whether it's a friend who listens without fixing, a partner who understands your silence or a counsellor who creates space for your truth. Lean into that support. Healing happens in connection. You don't need to go through life feeling like you're a burden. You are not 'too much.' You are enough and there's space in this world for you to breathe, to rest and to be seen. Even the strongest trees bend with the wind, it doesn't make them weaker. It makes them real. This Men's Mental Health Month, let's break the silence. Let's check on our brothers, our fathers, our husbands and our friends. Let's normalise the words 'I'm not okay', and let's meet them with love not shame. Let's build a culture where men don't have to wear emotional armour all the time where they can feel, fall and rise again with support by their side. To every man reading this, know this with all your heart, you are not alone. You are not broken. You are not weak. You are a whole human being with a heart that deserves to be held gently. Speak your truth, cry when you need to, ask for help and never apologise for feeling. Because behind every silent man is not a void but a voice waiting to be heard. You don't have to hold it all in. Let it out. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of peace. 'Even the moon has scars, yet it still shines. So will you.' * Nurfilzah Emily Mohamad Khairuddin K.B.; P.A. is a registered counsellor with Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
