In commemoration of Men’s Mental Health Month, discussions around emotional well-being and psychological health took center stage during a recent awareness session led by the Ministry. The initiative focused on breaking long-standing silence around men’s mental health and encouraging open conversations in homes, workplaces and communities. Clinical Psychologist Ms Julitah Koloane addressed the audience with a strong message on the importance of recognising mental health as part of overall well-being. The session aimed to challenge harmful beliefs that discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help. It also created space for reflection on how society treats emotional struggles among men.
Men’s Mental Health Month served as the foundation for the discussion, with Ms Julitah Koloane guiding participants through key psychological and social issues affecting men. She explained that mental health includes emotional, psychological and social well-being, and it influences how people think, behave and interact daily. She raised important questions about how often men are genuinely asked about their well-being beyond surface level interactions. She also pointed out how many men grow up hearing that they must always remain strong and avoid showing vulnerability. These expectations, she said, often prevent men from speaking openly when they are struggling.
Ms Koloane highlighted how social conditioning plays a major role in shaping men’s emotional behaviour from childhood into adulthood. Many men are taught that expressing sadness or fear is a weakness, which leads to emotional suppression over time. This suppression can affect relationships with partners, children and colleagues, as unspoken stress builds up internally. She noted that when emotional strain is ignored for long periods, it can develop into more serious health concerns such as anxiety disorders or high blood pressure. She emphasised that early emotional expression can prevent escalation into more severe mental and physical conditions.
The psychologist also identified several major mental health challenges affecting men today, including depression, anxiety, financial stress, burnout, substance abuse and suicide risk. She explained that these challenges often appear alongside behavioural changes that are sometimes overlooked. Warning signs may include sudden anger, irritability, withdrawal from social activities, reduced productivity at work and changes in personal habits. She added that decreased performance in professional or intimate relationships can also signal underlying emotional distress. Recognising these signs early can help individuals seek support before conditions worsen.
Ms Julitah Koloane encouraged men to adopt practical habits that support better mental health outcomes in daily life. She recommended regular physical activity, which helps reduce stress and improve mood regulation. She also stressed the importance of building strong social connections that allow men to speak freely without fear of judgment. Healthy relationships, she said, provide emotional stability and reduce feelings of isolation. She further encouraged men to seek spiritual guidance where appropriate and to make use of employee assistance programmes offered in workplaces. These combined strategies can help strengthen emotional resilience over time.
In her closing remarks, Ms Koloane reinforced the message that men’s mental health should be treated as a priority in all sectors of society. She explained that emotionally healthy men contribute to stronger families, more stable relationships and more productive communities. She also challenged the belief that seeking therapy is a sign of weakness, stating instead that it reflects strength and self-awareness. Seeking professional support, she said, is an important step toward healing and long-term personal growth. The session ended with a call for continued awareness and action to ensure that men feel supported and heard in all aspects of life.
