Men urged to take care of their mental health
“Men are architects, creators and builders."
A men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness event at Tessel 2.0 in Etwatwa on November 15 brought the absence of male role models and a lack of economic opportunities for men into the spotlight.
The event, hosted by the Isibani Sesizwe Foundation, highlighted issues that affect men’s mental health, while speakers from several organisations touched on how substance abuse created a lack of role models in our communities.
“We have a problem with absent men in South Africa. They are either unemployed, marginalised or are in jail.
“Boys don’t have anyone to teach them what it means to be a man,” said Dan Thabethe, the founder of Tshepo Themba.
He said the absence of male role models results in boys idolising and emulating what they see on social media or the streets, which often leads the youth to drugs and alcohol.
“To become a role model, you have to be caring. Show your love through actions. You have to live with integrity and respect yourself; do the right thing even when no one is watching,” he said.
“We have created this mess we see in our communities. A role model has a caring and compassionate heart.”
Speaking about issues affecting men’s mental health, Ratanang Mabe, of the Central Gauteng Mental Health Society, advised men to speak up instead of bottling things up because this leads to stress.
“Men hide their problems and when we eventually talk, we explode. Let’s take care of our mental health,” he said.
Mabe highlighted unemployment as another factor, saying men’s inability to provide for their families has led to loss of power at home.
“Naturally, men are providers. Unemployment is a major problem. This leads to disrespect from their spouses. They then use alcohol to cope, which leads to addiction and mental illness. Job opportunities may lessen the pressure on men.”
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The chairperson of #KhulumaniMadoda (Men speak up) Simphiwe Dladla warned against the excessive consumption of alcohol, saying men should confide in their spouses instead of drinking away their problems.
“Men are architects, creators and builders. Talk about your issues. Don’t drown your sorrows in alcohol.”
Dladla reiterated the importance of always being truthful, saying, “A man is a man by his truth and words.”
“When you lie, it is easy to be undermined. Keep your promises, stick to your goals and don’t let meaningless things distract you,” he said.
An attendee, Xolani Mthembu from City Corner in Etwatwa, said the session was informative.
“We need such forums and I urge my peers to attend them because as young people, we are the leaders of tomorrow and must therefore be at the forefront of building better communities,” he said.
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