Challenging the Myth of Masculinity and Silence
As South Africa observes Men’s Health Month, a powerful message is being shared by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). The organization is challenging the long-standing belief that true strength lies in silence. With men accounting for nearly 80% of suicides in the country, SADAG has launched a new campaign titled “Strong Enough to Talk,” encouraging men to break the silence, seek help, and support one another through open and honest conversations.
Life can be incredibly difficult. Each day presents its own set of challenges. Some are easily overcome, while others push us to our limits, and some feel impossible to face. As men, we’ve often been taught to fight our battles alone, to keep silent, and to never show emotion. From a young age, we were told that “real men don’t cry,” a message that has been passed down through generations and continues to resonate with many today.
The truth is, some men navigate life’s storms more easily, but for others, the weight of it all becomes overwhelming. Each morning starts to feel heavier than the last. The joy of living slowly fades, replaced by exhaustion, hopelessness, and a sense of isolation. We begin to question our purpose.
Why am I going through this? What’s the point?
These thoughts, if left unchecked, can grow darker and more dangerous, leading some to believe that the only way to end the pain is to end their existence.
The statistics tell a grim story. According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), the country’s suicide rate stands at around 23.5 deaths per 100,000 people, one of the highest in Africa. Of these, nearly four out of five suicides are men. National studies also show that about 25.7% of adults experience probable depression, and nearly a third of South Africans will face some form of mental disorder in their lifetime.
“We’ve long associated masculinity with control and toughness,” says Zamo Mbele, SADAG Board Member and Clinical Psychologist. “But emotional honesty is not weakness; it’s bravery. Every time a man opens up, he chips away at the stigma that keeps others trapped in silence. Being strong enough to talk can save your life, and it can give permission for the next man to do the same.”
SADAG’s message extends beyond men; it calls on women to play an active role in supporting their partners, brothers, fathers, and friends. Women are often the first to notice signs of distress such as withdrawal, irritability, or emotional fatigue. By listening with empathy, creating non-judgmental spaces, and encouraging men to speak, women can help shift the culture of silence that fuels this mental health crisis.
The organization encourages men to take small, deliberate steps toward mental wellness. Talking to a trusted friend, a counsellor, or even a colleague can make a life-changing difference. Simple habits such as maintaining sleep routines, exercising, and eating well also help regulate mood and build resilience. Research shows that acts of kindness, volunteering, donating, or simply being there for others release the brain’s natural “feel-good” chemicals that reduce stress and foster happiness.
“Support doesn’t have to be complicated,” SADAG says. “It starts with real conversations, asking someone, ‘How are you, really?’ and being willing to listen. Seeking help is not a failure; it’s one of the strongest things a man can do.”
Through its 24-hour mental health helpline, SADAG continues to offer free, confidential support to thousands of South Africans every day. The organization reports that many of the men who call are doing so for the first time, a vital step toward healing and hope.
This Men’s Health Month, SADAG’s message is clear: real strength speaks. It speaks through vulnerability, compassion, and connection. And in a country where so many men are suffering in silence, speaking up might just save a life.
To every man out there who is struggling, know this:
you are not alone.
No matter how dark things may seem, there is nothing that cannot be faced or fixed. What feels hopeless today can change tomorrow. There are always options, always people willing to listen, and always a way forward.
Being a real man doesn’t mean carrying the world on your shoulders; it means having the courage to reach out. Raise your hand and ask for help. Cry if you need to. Speak your truth to a friend, a brother, or someone who will listen. Let yourself be vulnerable. Sometimes, simply letting those emotions out and sharing your fears and pain can be the very thing that gives you the strength to keep going.
If you or someone you know needs help: SADAG 24-hour Helpline: 0800 456 789. WhatsApp: 076 882 2775. Visit: www.sadag.org.