Diepsloot men speak out about myths and beliefs that lead to gender-based violence
DIEPSLOOT– Given Ndlovu said the event taught him the importance of speaking out about his problems and urged other men to partake in future events.
Big boys don’t cry, so the saying goes.
And this may be one of the many reasons that South Africa has so many incidents of gender-based violence.
In a bid to come up with solutions to this scourge, South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) and a Diepsloot men’s organisation hosted a dialogue event to investigate reasons why men did not discuss there problems that may lead to depression and anger.
Scores of men, young and old, converged at the Family Africa Organisation to share and discuss ways on how to overcome depression that sometimes leads to gender-based violence incidents.
Trauma and mental health specialist at Sadag in Diepsloot, Nono Maseko said the dialogue was aimed at bringing men together to talk about issues that troubled them which they were unable to share with others. “Sadag is an organisation that advocates mental health and ensuring that mental ill patients are taken care of in terms of medication and hospitalisation,” she said.
“We do awareness campaigns and teach community members about mental health and the importance of seeking help when faced with difficulties. We have realised that many people are afraid to talk or seek psychological help when they have depression.”
Maseko added, “We’ve hosted this event to educate men about the importance of crying or speaking out when faced with challenges. Most men are taught when growing up that men don’t cry.
“Most men end bottling up anger and their frustration for far too long and when the anger explodes, people who are likely to be affected are their families, specially their wives and children and that leads to gender-based violence and domestic violence.”
Given Ndlovu, one of the participants, said the event taught him about the importance of speaking out about his problems and urged other men to take part in future events. “The event was an eye-opener for me as a man. We grow up in a society that teaches us that men don’t cry. But today I have learned that such myths and beliefs lead to incidents of gender-based violence. Most of us men end up resorting to alcohol abuse, trying to forget about our problems,” Ndlovu concluded.
Details: Sadag Mental Health Line 011 234 4837.
