In many societies, men are taught from an early age to “be strong”, conceal their emotions and bear burdens without complaint. 

While resilience is valuable, the culture of silence around men’s mental health has become a silent killer. Across the globe, suicide rates among men remain alarmingly high, with men often more likely to take their own lives compared to women. 

At the same time, communities are witnessing a rise in tragedies where men under immense stress resort to violence, including the killing of women and children.

These acts are devastating not only to families but to the moral fabric of our communities. They reveal a deeper crisis – one where unaddressed mental health struggles, coupled with social and economic pressures, lead to irreversible harm.

Burden of silence

Men carry multiple expectations: to provide for their families, succeed in their careers, remain strong in tough times and hide pain. 

When stress is internalised without healthy outlets, it creates a dangerous environment. 

Financial struggles, unemployment, relationship issues, infidelity and substance abuse often combine to push men into despair. Too often, these pressures are carried in silence. Instead of opening up, many men believe they must appear strong, unshaken and in control. Instead of seeking counselling or sharing with loved ones, many men see vulnerability as a sign of weakness. 

This silence is deadly. 

It contributes not only to high suicide rates but also to domestic violence, where frustration and untreated mental health issues turn into aggression against women and children. Many of these cases stem from untreated depression, financial hardship or broken relationships. 

Rather than seeking help, men sometimes allow their pain to build until it explodes in harmful ways, sometimes against themselves, and sometimes against loved ones. The killing of partners and children by men in distress is a painful reminder that unaddressed mental health struggles can destroy families and communities.

Call for change

It is time we address this issue with urgency and compassion. 

Protecting men’s mental health is not just a personal matter; it is a societal responsibility. Communities, faith-based organisations, schools, and governments must work together to raise awareness and create safe spaces for men to seek help without stigma.We need to challenge the stigma that teaches men they cannot cry, seek counselling or admit weakness. True strength lies in honesty, not silence. 

Every man should know that asking for help is a brave step toward healing, not a sign of weakness. Talking to a trusted friend, counsellor or partner can prevent the burden from turning into tragedy.

Men also need to understand the importance of accountability and faithfulness. 

Broken trust in relationships, through infidelity, dishonesty or neglect adds to mental stress. Recognising mistakes and working to fix them with a partner’s support is a sign of maturity, not weakness. 

Families are strongest when partners face challenges together, rather than turning against each other.

Stronger foundations

Every man should be encouraged to: Speak openly about struggles with friends, counsellors or partners. Seek professional help when overwhelmed by stress, depression or harmful thoughts. Practice faithfulness and responsibility in relationships, building trust rather than breaking it. Adopt healthy coping strategies, like exercise, prayer, journaling or community service.

Reject violence as a solution because violence does not resolve pain but multiplies it.

Safer future

To reduce instances of suicide and gender-based violence, we must normalise conversations about men’s mental health. 

No one should feel ashamed to admit they are struggling. 

Communities should remind men that strength is found in seeking help and working together with loved ones to overcome difficulties. To every man reading this, your life matters. 

You are more than your struggles, mistakes and failures. 

Do not let stress turn into self-harm or violence. Choose to seek help, remain faithful, accept your errors and grow stronger with support. 

When men prioritise their mental health, families become safer, women and children thrive and communities flourish. 

Protecting men’s mental health is not just about saving individual lives. It is about safeguarding society’s future.

*Hafeni W. Tuhadeleni is a teacher at Nuuyoma Senior Secondary School. He can be reached at tuhadelenihfn@gmail.com