510 000 men die from suicide worldwide each year. That’s one every minute. Globally, the rate of suicide is alarmingly high, particularly in men.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) states that a third of adults in South Africa will be affected by mental illness at some stage in their lives and there are 23 suicides in the country each day, with over 200 attempts per day.

“Poor mental health is one of the biggest health issues facing men today,” explains Garron Gsell, chief executive and founder of the Men’s Foundation, which drives Movember in South Africa.

Too many men are ‘toughing it out’, keeping their feelings to themselves and struggling in silence.

“Our fathers, partners, brothers and friends are facing this health crisis and it’s not being talked about. We can’t afford to stay silent. We need to talk about it. We need to act. We want men to talk when things get tough,” he says.

According to research by the Movember Foundation, a devastating number of men feel friendless, which compounds the problem, he says. A 2015 British survey found that 51% of respondents - the equivalent of about two and a half million men - have no close friends.

Being married or middle-aged significantly increases the likelihood that men have no one (apart from their partner, if they are married) they feel they can turn to in a crisis.

“Men don’t often strike up new friendships. Women have no problem with meeting friends and starting up a conversation, but for men, it is not so easy to open up and talk,” explains Gsell.

“Because so many men feel that admitting that they are struggling is a sign of weakness, many mental health problems are not being dealt with. Depression affects physical as well as mental wellbeing. It is a big area of concern for us. We want to shatter the stigma surrounding male mental health. The courage to talk about emotions is a sign of strength, not of weakness,” says Gsell.

Through funds raised by the Movember campaign, the Men’s Foundation will be working closely with SADAG to destigmatise mental health, particularly amongst men.

The Men’s Foundation aims to make a tangible difference to the lives and health of South African men. It does this by creating awareness and raising funds to improve research and treatment options for men’s health issues, eroding the stigmas associated with the diseases that affect men and ultimately helping men to live happier, healthier, longer lives.

Anyone, of any age, can be affected by poor mental health. Many men find it difficult to share their problems and try to remain ‘strong and silent’ rather than getting support when it’s needed.

The signs and symptoms of depression can vary from person to person, and can include:

  • Feeling sad or "empty", hopeless, irritable, anxious, or angry;
  • Loss of interest in work, family, or once-pleasurable activities, including sex;
  • Not being able to sleep, or sleeping too much; and
  • Inability to meet the responsibilities of work, caring for family, or other important activities.
It’s important to be proactive about your mental health, be aware of risk factors and symptoms, and stay connected with your friends and family. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem, the most important first step is to talk to someone. Whether it’s your doctor, your family, your friends, or an anonymous person on a support line.

To speak with someone immediately, contact a local service below. If life is in danger, call or go directly to emergency services.

For more information, visit za.movember.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter using the #MovemberRSA hashtag.