20 Dec 2023

Men are far less likely to seek professional counselling and support for a mental health problem than women, says a specialist from University of Botswana mental health department, Mr Alpheus Lemme.

Men, he said, experienced a significantly higher incidence and prevalence of certain mental health outcomes compared to women saying that resulted  in some losing their dignity because their mental well-being was not healthy. 

Mr Lemme made the remarks when apprising Khoemacau Mine workers on mental health issues and shedding light on the factors contributing to higher rates of certain mental health outcomes and the challenges faced in improving mental well-being.

He urged men to speak out saying they should disclose a mental health problem to professional counsellors noting that counselling could help them to re-discover their purpose and meaning in life.

Promoting mental health among men, he said, involved proactive efforts to enhance well-being and prevent the onset of mental health issues.

Culturally and traditionally, Mr Lemme said, men were recognized as leaders, role models in their families because they were providers because they provided sense of security but today, they were losing dignity because they lacked sound mental health resulting in evil actions.

He revealed that the nation was disturbed by media reports headlining issues of defilement resulting in impregnation of minors, passion killings and alarming suicide incidents that mostly involved men.

Suicide incidents among men were alarming citing that from January this year up to November, 220 men committed suicides as compared to 20 women noting that was an indication that men’s mental health required an attention.

“Our mental health as men is facing crisis and needed specialists,” he added. “We need to do something about the situation and speak out to get help well on time. 

Acting in a responsible manner requires someone with a sound mental health.”

However, Mr Lemme appreciated Khoemacau mine for promoting encouraging regular physical activity, marital social connections and fostering healthy relationships to contribute to the employees’ mental well being. 

The mine, he said, had some therapists, counsellors who focused on issues of relationships, finances and marital and urged employees to make their mental health a priority. 

He also acknowledged that the mine has put up sports infrastructure for employees to encouraged them. ENDS