Limpopo mental health advocate focuses on men | Herald

LIMPOPO – Nthabiseng Ngoepe, a suicide survivor and mental health advocate, believes that mental health problems are more prevalent in men compared to women.

Working with organisations focused on men’s mental health, Ngoepe believes that one reason for this disparity is that men are less likely to talk about or share their challenges.

Unlike women, who generally find it easier to express their struggles, men often feel societal pressure to remain stoic and silent. Ngoepe explains that societal expectations discourage men from showing vulnerability.

From a young age, boys are often told not to cry and to embody toughness and masculinity. This cultural norm prevents men from opening up about their problems.

“Society does not expect men to be abused. Men are told growing up that they should not cry, and that prevents men from sharing their problems with others. Society defines a man with masculinity and roughness, and when he cries or shows gentleness, he is not considered man enough,” Ngoepe states.

She redefines manhood, emphasising that it is not about financial or material success but about leadership, protecting people, and caring for the environment. Through her work, she has observed that financial and sexual pressures from partners significantly affect men’s mental health.

“When women belittle their partners because of their sexual performance or ability to provide luxury items, it really shatters them,” she says.

Ngoepe suggests that a key solution is educating young boys about mental health awareness. She believes that bullying among boys often stems from underlying mental health issues, which can lead to abusive behaviour later in life.

Creating more platforms for men to discuss their challenges is crucial, although she acknowledges that these efforts are still met with resistance.

“When men report abuse at police stations, police officers laugh at them, and this discourages them from sharing their feelings,” Ngoepe concludes.