Beyond the Stigma: Why Asking for Help is a Man’s Greatest Strength
At the Ruach Counselling Centre, we’re all about healing and transformation . We see people from all walks of life, but we often notice one stubborn barrier that hits men harder than most: the stigma around men’s mental health. For too long, society has pushed an old, narrow idea of what it means to be a man, someone who is tough, silent, and always has to figure it out alone . The unspoken rules are clear: "Man up," "Don't show weakness," "Just get over it," "Real men don't cry". This outdated script isn't just frustrating; it's dangerous. The Silent Crisis: What the Numbers Tell Us The numbers tell a sobering story, here in South Africa and globally, that we cannot ignore: A Tragic Disparity: In South Africa, men are up to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to women. A Crisis Point: According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), an estimated 75% of those who commit suicide in South Africa ...