MHM Magazine

It is an honor to write this editorial, themed around men. I invite all genders and sexes to engage with this with the hope that we will create insights helpful to men but, more importantly, to broader and extended society. I will suggest in this piece that men must use their unearned privilege, to improve their conditions for the betterment of their mental health improve the well-being of all society. While men hold the most privilege in society, this is not a birthright, and mostly, unearned. Social industries such as healthcare, politics, media and entertainment, sports and culture, are dominantly led by men. Globally, countries are still led by men in positions of presidents, prime ministers, kings, and heads of state. Though progress is being made in promoting gender equality, leadership remains predominantly male across the globe, reflecting broader systemic issues and historical inequalities. In global sports, leadership roles are predominantly held by men, spanning from governing bodies and coaching staff to team owners and referees. While women's representation is growing, especially in coaching and officiating, men still dominate the top echelons of sports organizations, clubs, and decision-making bodies. Ongoing advocacy for equity, representation, and inclusion is challenging norms, with increasing visibility of diverse voices and leadership in content creation and storytelling. In technology and commerce, leadership remains predominantly male. Despite progress in diversifying these sectors, women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented groups face barriers to achieving parity. Given the substantial influence men hold in society, there exists both a duty and a profound responsibility for them to use their positions of power and leadership to drive societal betterment. This responsibility extends not only to championing gender representation and transformation but also to addressing a less-discussed yet equally critical issue—improving men's mental health. Men possess a unique opportunity to enhance their own mental well- being, and through their leadership in practice, policy, and daily interactions, they can profoundly shape the mental health landscape for everyone around them. Influence often resides with those in power, and it is a hard truth that their decisions, actions, and behaviors have far-reaching effects. This is especially pertinent given global trends highlighting the worsening state of mental health, particularly among men, which mirrors and impacts the broader society. Therefore, improving men’s mental health could lead to a positive cascade effect across all sectors. Poor mental health in men not only affects them on a personal level but also has insidious and sometimes covert impacts on those they interact with, live alongside, and engage with professionally. Moreover, this ripple effect extends into the policy arena, shaping decisions and norms that touch every aspect of society. It is, therefore, plausible to suggest that focusing on and improving men's mental health can elevate the mental well-being of entire communities. The more men appreciate and internalise the importance of good mental health, the greater their capacity to improve living, working, and social conditions for all. This realisation is not merely theoretical; it can manifest through tangible changes. When men experience the transformative benefits of emotional vulnerability, seeking help, or receiving professional care—whether through releasing built-up emotions, finding comfort, or embracing necessary support—their firsthand understanding becomes evidence of the value of mental wellness. When men understand the necessity and profound benefits of good mental health, they are better positioned to effect systemic changes. This transformation has the potential to create ripple effects, improving workplace environments, shaping social norms, and fostering more compassionate, inclusive policies. The more men embrace and embody the importance of mental health, the more they can use their influence to cultivate a culture of understanding, care, and proactive mental wellness for everyone in society. Improving men's mental health is not just a matter of individual well- being; it is a collective endeavor that can significantly uplift the mental health of those around them. Men often occupy influential roles in society—whether as leaders in the workplace, within families, or in community settings—and their mental health has far-reaching consequences. When men prioritize and nurture their own mental well-being, it sets the stage for a MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH: A CALL TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE / REDEFINING MASCULINITY: PRIORITISING MENTAL HEALTH FOR CHANGE EDITORIAL Zamo Mbele Clinical Psychologist zamombele@gmail.com Issue 6 | 2024 | MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS | 1 MHM