Maseru, June 26 — Mental health is just as important as physical health and should no longer be ignored in conversations about men’s well-being, Ms. Mamathe Khetsi said in a speech that challenged long-held beliefs about masculinity and strength.
Addressing an audience in Maseru on Friday, A clinical psychologist and lecturer at the National University of Lesotho with a background in psychiatry, Ms. Khetsi emphasised that conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and prostate cancer often receive public attention, while mental health remains overlooked despite its profound effect on how men think, feel, make decisions, and maintain relationships.
Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), she described mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realises his abilities, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively, and contributes positively to the community.
Ms. Khetsi explained that good mental health is not simply the absence of illness. Instead, it includes emotional regulation, self-awareness, and the ability to adapt to life’s challenges.
A major concern raised in her speech was what psychologists refer to as restrictive emotionality, the tendency for men to suppress emotions because of societal expectations.
According to Ms. Khetsi, many cultures socialise men to appear strong, independent, and stoic, creating the belief that a man should endure hardship without complaint.
She noted that these expectations often become internalised, leading many men to believe they must solve all problems alone and that expressing emotion is a sign of weakness.
This, she said, contributes to self-stigma, where men view seeking help as a personal failure rather than a healthy response to difficulty.
“As a result, many men suffer silently and delay seeking assistance until they are already in crisis,” Ms. Khetsi said.
She also challenged what she described as the heroic misconception that a healthy man is one who never experiences stress, fear, or emotional struggle. True strength, she argued, lies not in avoiding challenges but in how those challenges are managed.
Ms. Khetsi warned that poor mental health can affect every aspect of a man’s life, including his ability to parent effectively, perform at work, and maintain healthy relationships.
She urged men to prioritise their psychological well-being in the same way they prioritise physical fitness, arguing that the two are closely connected.
She called to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health and to redefine strength. Seeking help, she said, should be viewed not as weakness or incompetence, but as a necessary step toward resilience, productivity, and healthier communities.
Redefining Masculinity Through Character Mr. Sempe Mahapang From Gents With Brains called on men to redefine masculinity by focusing on positive character traits that strengthen families and communities rather than relying on outdated stereotypes.
Mr. Mahapang said being a man is not simply an identity but a daily commitment to living out values such as responsibility, respect, integrity and compassion. He encouraged men to cultivate these qualities and allow them to shape their actions and relationships.
He said society needs men who make a positive impact in their homes, workplaces and communities, adding that true masculinity is reflected in the ability to protect, support and lead others with humility and accountability.
Mr. Mahapang also stressed the importance of emotional intelligence, urging men to become more self-aware and to communicate openly, particularly with their partners.
He noted that healthy communication strengthens relationships and creates an environment where men feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking support when needed.
He warned that leadership carries influence, saying men in positions of authority have a responsibility to set a positive example because their actions can either inspire or negatively affect those around them.
Moreover, Mr. Mahapang encouraged men to actively develop their positive qualities, saying personal growth and responsible leadership are essential to promoting mental well-being and creating healthier families and communities.
Meanwhile Human Resource Manager Prevention of Sexual Exploitation Abuse, Mr. Malefane Matele said society must place greater emphasis on positive masculinity and the development of boys to ensure healthy relationships and stronger communities.
Mr. Matele argued that while significant progress has been made in empowering women, equal attention should also be given to preparing men and boys to adapt to changing social realities.
He questioned whether society has enough positive male role models, saying the absence of strong examples leaves many boys without guidance on what healthy masculinity should look like.
“There is a need to redefine masculinity in a way that promotes responsibility, respect and resilience,” Mr Matele said, adding that young men require mentors who can demonstrate positive behaviour and leadership.
He also challenged the common focus on equality alone, suggesting that greater emphasis should be placed on equity. According to Mr. Matele, equity recognises the different challenges faced by men and women and seeks practical solutions that enable both to thrive.
He warned that empowering one gender without adequately supporting the other could create unnecessary social tensions.
He argued that boys should be equipped with the skills and confidence needed to build healthy relationships in a society where traditional gender roles continue to evolve.
Mr. Matele maintained that economic pressures are also a major source of strain in relationships. He said despite social changes, many communities still expect men to be the primary providers, and financial hardship can lead to frustration, conflict and relationship breakdowns.
Mr. Matele noted that while family structures and gender expectations are changing, traditional beliefs about men’s responsibilities remain deeply rooted, creating additional pressure for many men.
Calling for a broader approach to gender advocacy, Mr. Matele urged policymakers, families and communities to invest in the development of both women and men, saying sustainable progress can only be achieved when both genders are empowered to work together.
Mr. Matele encouraged society to move beyond conventional debates on equality and instead pursue equitable solutions that prepare both women and men to coexist and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Men’s Mental Health Awareness The event is dedicated to celebrating and advocating for men’s mental health, providing a platform for voices that are often overlooked
Ends/TS/tl
