MHM Magazine

International Men’s Day is observed November 19 each year and the aim of this day is to address the unique challenges faced by men. These include but are not limited to, promoting healthy masculinity, raising awareness around men’s health, as well as celebrating their lives, achievements and contributions in different areas. The theme for 2023 was “Zero Male Suicide”. Suicide is a profound societal issue and the mental health issues around men are often overlooked. It’s time for us to break the silence and work together to create a world where no man feels he has no way out. Suicide is the 10th highest cause of death globally and men die by suicide four times more often than women. We need to start talking about male suicide more seriously. By talking about the real problems that men face, it doesn’t devalue or detract from the struggles women go through. We need each other. In Portuguese there is a word “conviver” which means to live and get along with each other as a community. This concept is paramount to our wellbeing. We can only address male suicide if we work together. To achieve “Zero Male Suicide” we must start by dismantling the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Men, often conditioned by societal expectations to be stoic and resilient, may find it challenging to express vulnerability. Being stoic and resilient can be amazing traits and goals in our lives but that should not get in the way of asking for help when it is needed. As practitioners, we need to foster an environment where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength and not weakness. We need to work towards helping men feel comfortable about opening up conversations about mental health where no one feels judged for sharing their struggles. The problem that arises is that men often express their feelings differently and in different environments when compared to women. The system as it exists right now may not feel ideal for opening up for men, as it may mean going against what they feel is their nature in some or other way. If we pay attention, we may Tamaryn Spandiel tamaryn@spanpsych.co.za Clinical Psychologist Private practice in Rivonia, Johannesburg Marco Alfama coachme@forgetnormalcoaching.com Life Coach/Speaker/Trainer Practice in Menlyn Maine, Pretoria LET’S START TALKING ABOUT MALE SUICIDE 10 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 2023 | Issue 6 MHM