MY daughter came running in distress sharing how her friend had shared on his WhatsApp status of a video of a man believed to have jumped to his death.

She said her friend told her the man was intoxicated on a substance they both didnot know. I watched the video in horror and immediately regretted what I saw. What broke my heart even further was how people were taking videos instead of helping or was I being judgemental as I was unaware of the full story?

Whatever the full story, my heart sank. It got me wondering about our country, the issue of substance abuse and how men cope.

According to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) Prevention and Management of Mental Health Conditions in Zimbabwe Report of 2022, suicide accounts for 1,8% of all deaths in Zimbabwe, with men contributing to a higher rate than women.

The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe has also reported that approximately 30 teachers and six students in Zimbabwe die by suicide each year. Zimbabwe has been identified as having the highest rates of suicide ideation among adolescents in 11 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to a study conducted by Regional Psychosocial Support Initiatives (REPSSI).

Zimbabwe, a nation grappling with complex socio-economic challenges, faces a concerning reality: High rates of suicide and substance abuse, particularly among men.

Keep Reading

These issues are intricately linked to harmful societal expectations surrounding masculinity, where men are often pressured to conform to rigid and restrictive norms.

This article explores the concept of healthy masculinities, its role in preventing suicide and substance abuse, and potential pathways toward healing and empowerment for men in Zimbabwe.

The crisis of masculinity in Zim

Traditional Zimbabwean society emphasises stoicism, emotional suppression, and dominance as core masculine traits. Men are expected to be strong, independent, and in control, often at the expense of their emotional well-being.

I attended the funeral of my sister’s husband this past Saturday.

As a way of supporting her teenage son, we took him out for a walk, he met his friends along the way, and they greeted us and talked as if everything was normal.

I asked him if his friends knew and he said they didnot. I pulled one of the friends aside and informed him that their friend had lost his father, much to his shock and he asked why his friend had not said. He went on to say as men they had to be strong.  I was livid, what strength do you have after losing your father barely six hours ago?

This rigid definition of masculinity leaves little room for vulnerability, seeking help, or expressing emotions openly. Consequently, men experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or trauma often feel isolated and ashamed, leading them to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse and, in extreme cases, suicide.

Impact of suicide , substance abuse

Suicide is a leading cause of death among young men in Zimbabwe, with substance abuse playing a significant role as a contributing factor.

, impair judgment, and increase the risk of self-harm.

The consequences of these issues extend beyond individual lives, impacting families, communities, and the nation's development.

A path to healing and empowerment

Challenging and redefining traditional notions of masculinity is crucial to addressing the crisis of suicide and substance abuse in Zimbabwe. Promoting healthy masculinities encourages men to embrace a broader spectrum of emotions, seek help when needed, and build supportive relationships.

This involves:

 Deconstructing harmful stereotypes: Challenging societal expectations that equate masculinity with stoicism and emotional suppression.

 Promoting emotional literacy and expression: Encouraging men to identify, understand, and express their emotions in healthy ways.

Building supportive networks: Creating safe spaces for men to connect, share their struggles, and access support from peers and professionals.

Promoting positive role models: Highlighting men, who embody healthy masculinity, demonstrating vulnerability, and seeking help when needed.

Overcoming substance abuse

Addressing substance abuse requires a multi-pronged approach, including:

Accessibility to treatment: Expanding access to affordable and culturally sensitive treatment programmes for addiction.

 Community-based support: Building community-based support systems that offer encouragement and accountability for individuals in recovery.

Economic empowerment: Providing opportunities for sustainable livelihoods to reduce reliance on substance abuse as a coping mechanism.

Empowering men to thrive

Promoting healthy masculinities and addressing substance abuse can empower men to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. This requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, and institutions:

Engaging men in the conversation: Actively involving men in discussions about mental health, suicide prevention, and healthy masculinity.

Strengthening mental health services: Investing in mental health services that are accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate for men.

Empowering communities: Building community resilience and promoting positive social norms that support men's well-being.

Conclusion:

The crisis of suicide and substance abuse among men in Zimbabwe is a complex issue rooted in harmful societal expectations surrounding masculinity.

By promoting healthy masculinities, providing accessible treatment for substance abuse, and empowering communities to support men's well-being, Zimbabwe can pave the way for a future where men can thrive and contribute positively to society.

This journey requires a collective effort, challenging traditional norms, fostering open dialogue, and investing in resources and support systems that empower men to embrace their full potential.

Until then, we are blessed to be a blessing (#B2BAB).

We were here, becoming better, making our mark, and leaving our footprint as we make the world a better place!

  •  Chirenje writes in her capacity as a citizen of Zimbabwe. —  Twitter: @graceruvimbo; facebook: Grace Ruvimbo Chirenje; instagram: @graceruvimbo; whatsApp:+263772719650