Behind every strong man is a story that is not always told. While many continue to shoulder the pressures of work, family and daily life, countless others are quietly battling stress, anxiety, depression and personal struggles. To mark Men’s Month this July, the Phoenix Tabloid is shining a spotlight on men’s mental health and encouraging honest conversations, bringing together respected men who have dedicated themselves to serving the community to share powerful messages reminding men that true strength lies not in suffering in silence, but in reaching out, supporting one another and knowing that help is available.
Cole Francis
As someone who has faced one of life’s greatest challenges by overcoming cancer, I’ve learned that true strength isn’t found in carrying every burden alone – it’s found in having the courage to ask for help when you need it. Through my work as a personal trainer and my involvement in my church, I’ve seen how many men quietly carry the weight of stress, fear, anxiety and personal struggles while believing they have to stay strong for everyone else. But no one is meant to fight life’s battles alone. Just as we care for our physical health, we must also care for our mental and emotional well-being.
Speak to someone you trust – a family member, a friend, a pastor, a counsellor or a healthcare professional. There is hope, there is support, and there is always a way forward. To every man reading this: your life matters, your story matters, and asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of courage. Keep believing, keep fighting, and remember that together, as a community, we are stronger.
Moulana Mohamed Tariq
“Being vulnerable is not a weakness – it’s a strength.” This is a spiritual message that I wish to imprint in the minds of all men. In today’s society, men are focused on being providers rather than being fathers, sons and leaders. Today’s economy is placing a huge burden on the shoulders of men, and many have lost themselves. It has become increasingly difficult for men to cope with the demands of work and family life. This is leading to men being unable to cope with pressure, often turning to substance abuse.
Instead of seeking help because of their mental health, men turn to abusive behaviour. Law enforcement is inundated with crimes committed against women who are being abused. In saying that, men are also being abused. However, due to ego or stigma, they opt to remain silent. The time is here for men such as myself to champion breaking the silence. We must encourage our men to seek spiritual and medical assistance from professionals. Do not live in silence. Your life matters. You were not just born to be a provider but a person with a voice.
Sergeant Keegan Pillay
As a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) serving in social crime prevention, I want every man to know that your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Too often, men feel pressured to be strong, to carry life’s burdens alone, and to hide their emotions, but true strength is found in recognising when you need support and having the courage to ask for it. As police officials, we see firsthand the impact that unresolved emotional pain can have on individuals, families and communities. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness but one of courage, wisdom and resilience.
Looking after your mental wellbeing enables you to be stronger for yourself and for those who depend on you. At SAPS Phoenix, community members have access to free support services designed to provide care, guidance and hope. We currently have two social workers from Lifeline based at the station who offer free counselling, advice and emotional support to members of the community. We also have Spiritual Crime Prevention services available for those seeking spiritual guidance, encouragement and support in making positive life choices. In addition, our Victim Friendly Room operates 24 hours a day, where trained SAPS officials provide compassionate support and assistance to victims of crime and individuals experiencing trauma.
No matter what you are facing, please remember that you are not alone. There are people who care, who will listen without judgment, and who want to help you find hope again. This Men’s Month, let us break the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. Reach out if you are struggling, and don’t be afraid to check in on another man who may be silently carrying a heavy burden. A simple conversation can save a life. Real strength is not suffering in silence. Real strength is having the courage to speak up, ask for help, and take the first step towards healing. Together, we can build stronger men, stronger families and stronger communities.
Roshan Kooblal
When people speak about gender-based violence, the focus is rightly placed on women and children, who continue to bear the brunt of abuse. However, we must also acknowledge that men can be victims of abuse and violence, and they too deserve support, compassion and access to help. Many men suffer in silence. Whether out of fear, embarrassment or societal expectations, they often choose not to speak about the abuse they are experiencing. Society has long viewed men as leaders, breadwinners, protectors and providers, and these expectations can make it difficult for them to admit they are struggling or being abused.
The realities of unemployment, financial hardship and social challenges such as substance abuse have placed even greater pressure on men, affecting their mental health and emotional well-being. Men need to understand that speaking out is not a sign of weakness. There should be no shame in reporting abuse or seeking help. By remaining silent, the cycle of abuse continues, and children who witness it may grow up believing such behaviour is normal, leading to lasting emotional and social consequences. Every man who comes forward contributes to building a safer, healthier and more compassionate society.
Communities, workplaces, faith-based organisations and support groups must create safe spaces where men can speak openly and receive the assistance they need. It is time for men’s health and well-being to receive the same level of attention and support as other important social issues. We need dedicated support structures, including Men’s Health and Men’s Abuse Desks, where men can access guidance, counselling and protection. Abuse, in any form, is unacceptable. As a society, we must recognise it, speak about it openly and work together to find lasting solutions.
As we commemorate Men’s Month, the Phoenix Tabloid extends its best wishes to every man in the community and encourages those who need support to reach out using the contact numbers below:
• Spiritual Crime Prevention chaired by Moulana Tariq: 068 745 8642
• Victim Friendly Centre at SAPS Phoenix: 031 508 2413
• South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 0800 567 567
• LifeLine South Africa: 0861 322 322
