Strong But Silent: Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health

 Strong But Silent:

Breaking the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health


June is Men's Mental Health Month—and it’s time we talk about the silent struggles our men carry.

We live in a world that teaches boys to “man up,” to hide their tears, and to suppress their emotions. But silence doesn’t heal wounds—it deepens them.


As a Mental Health Advocate and founder of the Jathaniel Foundation, I’ve seen the quiet suffering that too many men carry.

Fathers. Sons. Brothers. Partners.

Trying to be strong for everyone, but not knowing where to lay their own burdens.



💬 So let’s talk about it. Why is men’s mental health so important?


1. Men are hurting—quietly.

Suicide rates are significantly higher in men than women, especially in African countries. Many don’t ask for help until it’s too late.



2. Culture teaches silence.

In Zimbabwe and many parts of the world, men are told to suppress their emotions. Vulnerability is seen as weakness—but in truth, it is strength.


3. Mental health is not gendered.

Depression, anxiety, burnout—these affect men too. Just because he’s not crying doesn’t mean he’s okay.

4. Men need safe spaces too.

Just like women, men need spaces to talk, vent, be vulnerable, and be heard without judgment.

5. Healing men means healing homes.

A mentally healthy man becomes a better father, partner, leader, and protector. Healing our men heals our communities.


🔁 What can we do?


Normalize therapy and check-ins. Mental health help is not “soft”—it’s smart.


Watch how we speak. Avoid phrases like “man up” or “boys don’t cry.”


Create safe spaces. In churches, barbershops, WhatsApp groups—start the conversation.


Support emotionally. Sometimes men don’t need solutions—just to be heard.

To every man reading this: You are allowed to feel. You are allowed to heal. You are allowed to ask for help.

Your strength is not in your silence.

It’s in your honesty.

We see you. We stand with you. We care.

Let’s break the silence together.

🖤


Melissa Marufu Acero

Mental Health Advocate | Founder, Jathaniel Foundation

Comments

  1. Anonymous04 June, 2025

    Interesting read and it's very imperative to attend to men's mental health because they are nurtured not to cry therefore they bottle whatever challenges they have therefore leading or causing a number of premature or shortlived lives.

    ReplyDelete

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