Organization Urges Men to Seek Mental Health Counseling for Wellbeing
Hopecrec urges men in Malawi to prioritize mental health counseling to address wellbeing and reduce suicide rates.
Blantyre, Malawi: Hope Counselling and Recreation Centre (Hopecrec), a local non-governmental organisation, has emphasised the importance of men seeking mental health counselling to address issues that affect their well-being, writes Steven Godfrey Mkweteza.
During a mental health public discussion in Blantyre, professional counsellor Sir Walker Gondwe highlighted the detrimental impact of poor health-seeking behaviours among men, with 80 percent of male suicides in the country attributed to depression resulting from a lack of mental health counselling.
Gondwe also identified the shortage of professional mental health counsellors as a contributing factor to the rising suicide and death rates among men.
He pointed out that shyness, masculinity, and cultural factors often hinder men from opening up about their issues, particularly among married men.
Gondwe praised the government's initiative to send those who attempt suicide for mental health counselling instead of arresting them but emphasised the need for more trained counsellors to handle such cases effectively.
In a separate interview, Yamikani Makanga, a suicide survivor from Lilongwe, advised the youth to avoid practices that can lead to suicide, such as alcohol and drug abuse.
Makanga cited financial challenges, unemployment, peer pressure, and relationship issues as factors contributing to the increasing number of youth suicides in the country.
He urged young people to seek mental health counselling instead of resorting to suicide, emphasising that it is not a solution.
Hopecrec, a Christian-based organisation, implements the "In the Shoes of Men" initiative, which teaches communities how to lead positive lives after facing various challenges.
By addressing depression and reducing suicidal thoughts, the organisation aims to promote mental well-being and resilience among individuals.