HEAR HIM OUT - SADAG encourages men to speak, connect and seek support this Men's Health Month

This November, The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is putting Men's Mental Health in the spotlight with its 2026 campaign theme, Hear Him Out: A Safe Space to Be Heard, and a simple but important message: Men deserve to be heard, not just helped. Men are often expected to be strong, provide for their families, solve problems and keep going, even when they are struggling. From a young age, many are taught to hide their emotions, avoid showing vulnerability and deal with difficult situations on their own. But what happens when the person everyone depends on is the one who needs support? When men feel they cannot speak about what they are going through, their struggles can go unnoticed and asking for help can become even harder.

The impact of Men's Mental Health struggles is reflected in Suicide statistics. According to the World Health Organization's 2021 estimates, South Africa recorded a male Suicide mortality rate of 35.4 deaths per 100,000 men, compared to 9.9 per 100,000 women. This means that men were approximately 3.6 times more likely to die by Suicide than women. These figures highlight the urgent need to make conversations about men's Mental Health more accessible and encourage men to seek support before they reach a point of crisis.

Psychiatrist, Professor Solomon Rataemane, says, "Men are often brought up to believe that they must take charge, protect their families and always be in control. But these expectations can make it difficult for some men to deal with situations where they feel their role or identity is being challenged. For example, losing a job, financial pressure or changes in family responsibilities can leave a man feeling undermined, frustrated or unsure of himself. Instead of talking about these feelings, some men may start drinking more, becoming argumentative, lashing out or withdrawing from others. These behaviours can sometimes be signs that something deeper is going on. We need to help men recognise when their behaviour or emotions begin to change and understand that they do not have to deal with everything on their own. Speaking to a counsellor, therapist, trusted family member or someone they feel comfortable with can be an important first step. Sometimes, looking at past experiences and unresolved challenges can also help men understand what they are going through and find healthier ways to cope. Men are just as likely to experience Depression, Anxiety and emotional distress as anyone else, and seeking help should never be seen as a weakness."

Healthy coping is another important part of the conversation. Whether it is talking to someone you trust, staying connected with friends, making time for activities you enjoy, managing stress or seeking professional support, men need to know that there are healthier ways to deal with life's pressures. Friends, families, partners and communities also have an important role to play by creating opportunities for men to speak openly and by listening without immediately trying to fix everything.

As part of the campaign, SADAG has also kicked off its November Online Ask the Expert series, with weekly Facebook Live conversations exploring different aspects of Men's Mental Health. This week’s discussion, titled “More Than a Provider: Men’s Identity, Self Worth and Mental Health,” we will be joined by Darryl Gray, SADAG’s Online Team Supervisor; Gareth Pickering, Founder of Fathers Sons Brothers; and Tebogo Ramadiro, SADAG’s Substance Use Coordinator. Join us on Friday, 13 November 2026, at 13:00, live on SADAG’s Facebook page, @TheSADAG. SADAG hopes to encourage men to speak more openly about their experiences, challenge expectations around masculinity and explore ways to build stronger support networks.

Tracy Feinstein, SADAG Call Centre Manager adds, "From the calls we receive, we hear from men who are dealing with many different challenges, from relationship breakdowns, financial pressures and work-related stress to Depression, Anxiety, loneliness and thoughts of Suicide. Sometimes, men reach out because they have been carrying these feelings for a long time and don't know who they can talk to. Others are unsure of what they are experiencing or where to turn for help. What is important is that they have taken that first step by reaching out. We want men to know that they don't have to wait until they are in crisis to ask for support. Sometimes, being able to talk openly, feel heard and know that someone is willing to listen can make a meaningful difference."

This November, SADAG is calling on men, families, friends, partners and communities to help change the way we talk about men's Mental Health. Men should not have to struggle in silence to prove their strength. They deserve to be listened to, understood and reminded that they are not alone.

If you are a man struggling with your Mental Health, feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, lonely or finding it difficult to cope with life's pressures, you do not have to face it alone. Reach out for support by calling Cipla Mental Health Helpline 0800 456 789 or SADAG's 24-hour Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567. You can also send an SMS to 31393 and a counsellor will call you back, or WhatsApp 087 163 2050 (available seven days a week, 8am–5pm). You can also visit SADAG's Online Toolkit at www.sadag.org to access video libraries, Mental Health resources, information on Support Groups and other support services.