SADAG calls on men to redefine strength through conversation

As South Africa marks Men’s Health Month, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is challenging the deep-rooted belief that real strength means staying silent. With men accounting for nearly 80% of suicides in the country, SADAG’s new campaign, “Strong Enough to Talk,” urges men to break the silence, seek help, and support one another through honest and open conversations.

Let’s face it. Life can be incredibly tough. Every day brings its own set of challenges. Some we overcome with ease, others push us to our limits, and a few feel impossible to face. As men, we’ve been taught to fight our battles alone, to keep silent, to stay strong, and to never show emotion. From a young age, we were told that “real men don’t cry,” a message that’s been passed down through generations and one that many of us still carry today.

The truth is, some men manage to navigate life’s storms more easily, but for others, the weight of it all can become 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? Those thoughts, 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 the story, and they don’t lie. Too many men are suffering in silence, trapped by outdated ideas of strength, when in truth, the strongest thing any of us can do is to speak up and ask for help.

SADAG believes that behind closed doors, many men silently battle depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, often without the support they desperately need.

Recent figures paint a stark picture. 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. Meanwhile, national studies 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 organisation 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 organisation 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