You Are Not Alone: A South African Guide for Men’s Mental Health Month
June is Men’s Mental Health Month – a vital reminder to pause and ask, “How are you really doing?” In South Africa, many men bear the weight of being providers and protectors, often silently. The stigma around vulnerability can lead to devastating consequences – men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the World Health Organization (2019). It’s time to change the narrative. Men often mask emotional struggles with anger, isolation, or substance use. But healing begins with a single step: acknowledging the pain and reaching out. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just saying, “I’m not OK,” is enough to begin the journey toward wellness.
