South African men are depressed, grumpy, irritable, and humourless, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).
It says most are gloomy about their job prospects, and if they don’t get help many will take it out on their families.
The group launched a major radio campaign on Friday, Real Men, Real Depression, in five languages, to encourage men to seek help about depression.
The most dangerous men, they say, are the strong silent nuclear reactor types just waiting to blow their tops.
Some men, they say, throw themselves compulsively into their work or hobbies, attempting to hide their depression.
The group says the number of men calling their helpline is climbing alarmingly – up to 97 calls a day – and reports of men not only killing themselves, but taking their families with them, litter daily newspapers.
”Research suggests that men are less likely to seek treatment for depression, a serious illness which can be successfully treated.
”Data also shows that men die by suicide at four times the rate of women.”
Most of those who call in for help are aged 25 to 35, but Sadag says older men are less likely to talk about feelings of depression and are more likely to turn to the bottle, domestic violence or suicide when they become desperate. ‒ Sapa