Chris Williams, director of Student Life at the North-West University (NWU), recently played a leading role in advancing conversations around men’s mental health and emotional well-being during “The Mindful Man – Men’s Summit”, hosted by the National Association of Student Development Professionals (NASDEV) in collaboration with the Vaal University of Technology.

Held at the Quest Conference Centre in Vanderbijlpark recently, the summit brought together students, student leaders and higher-education professionals from institutions including the NWU, the University of Johannesburg and the University of Pretoria to engage in critical discussions around masculinity, emotional wellness, leadership and the growing mental health challenges affecting young men in higher education.

The summit aimed to create a safe space for honest dialogue and shared experiences, while challenging harmful stereotypes that often discourage men from expressing vulnerability or seeking help. Throughout the programme, conversations focused on emotional resilience, healthy masculinity, healing, accountability, and personal growth.

Williams, who is also a member of NASDEV and an industrial psychologist by training, participated as a panellist during the discussion themed “Men and Mental Health – The Silent Struggle”. Drawing from his professional background, he unpacked the psychological realities many young men silently battle with, including denial, emotional dissociation, destructive coping habits and emotional suppression caused by societal expectations around masculinity.

According to Williams, many men have been conditioned to internalise pain and hide emotional struggles in fear of appearing weak.

“Men’s health is not just a personal issue anymore – it is becoming a higher-education crisis that institutions can no longer afford to ignore. Too many young men are carrying emotional pain, depression, anxiety, trauma and pressure in silence because society has taught them that vulnerability is weakness. As men, we are often conditioned to suppress emotions, to ‘man up’, to suffer quietly and to believe that asking for help somehow makes us less masculine. That mindset is dangerous because silence often becomes the breeding ground for emotional breakdown, destructive behaviour, substance abuse and even suicide,” said Williams.

Williams further stressed that building emotional resilience starts with self-awareness, self-compassion, and strong social support systems.

“Many men struggle because they isolate themselves emotionally. Healthy friendships, community support and meaningful conversations are critical for emotional well-being. We need to teach young men that taking care of their mental health is just as important as taking care of their physical health. A healthy man is emotionally aware, accountable, compassionate and unafraid to ask for support when he needs it,” he added.

Williams joined a diverse group of speakers and contributors committed to promoting wellness and transformation among young men. Other contributors addressed students on visionary leadership, accountability and legacy-building, while discussions on breaking gender stereotypes and cultural expectations challenged harmful perceptions of masculinity and emotional expression.