By Fanuel Chinowaita
MUTARE, July 2, 2026 — The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has called on men to break the culture of suffering in silence and seek help for mental health challenges, warning that emotional suppression is contributing to rising cases of depression, substance abuse, suicide and domestic conflict.
The message was delivered yesterday during a Men’s Mental Health Symposium organized by the Zimbabwe Republic Police at the ZRP Main Camp in Mutare under the theme “Breaking the Silence: Promoting Mental Wellness Among Men.”
The keynote address by Officer Commanding Police Manicaland Province, Commissioner Charles Nhete, was read on his behalf by Manicaland Provincial Administrator, Assistant Commissioner Paradzai.
In his speech, Commissioner Nhete challenged long-standing social norms that discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking professional support.
“There is absolutely nothing dishonorable about expressing emotions. There is nothing shameful about saying, ‘I am not okay.’ There is nothing weak about seeking counselling, speaking to a trusted friend, consulting a healthcare professional, or asking for support during difficult times,” the speech read.
“In fact, it takes far greater courage to ask for help than to continue suffering in silence.”
Commissioner Nhete said many men continue to carry emotional burdens because they are raised to believe they must always appear strong and self-reliant, warning that such expectations often have devastating consequences.
He said increasing cases of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide and domestic conflict demonstrate the urgent need to normalize conversations around mental health.
“Sometimes a simple conversation can prevent a tragedy. Sometimes listening without judging can restore hope. Sometimes walking alongside someone during their darkest moment can save a life,” the speech said.
The Commissioner urged men to become “their brother’s keeper” by checking on friends, colleagues and relatives and encouraging them to seek help when overwhelmed.
Delivering additional opening remarks, Assistant Commissioner Paradzai said society has normalized women expressing emotions while expecting men to suppress theirs.
“As women, we are used to crying, but men are expected not to cry,” she said.
She urged couples to resolve family challenges through honest communication instead of involving extended family members unnecessarily.
“Let’s discuss our issues. Women, let’s not carry our stories to our mothers. Men, let’s also not rush to your sisters and mothers. We need to talk and clear our issues.”
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development, Director Gabriel Jaji linked financial wellbeing to mental health, saying economic pressures are among the major stressors affecting men.
Referring to Zimbabwe’s latest population census, Jaji said men have a lower life expectancy than women, with men living an average of 61 years compared to 68 years for women.
He encouraged families to prioritize productive investments and income-generating projects.
“Instead of buying Furniture worth US$3,000, why not invest in goats? Let’s have projects,” he said.
Zimbabwe Gender Commission representative said gender equality includes protecting the rights of men.
“When men’s rights are violated, our doors are open. We also have legal officers who can assist,” he said.
A mental health specialist from Crotex Health Services said men are often conditioned to suppress emotions, comparing emotional suppression to a volcano building pressure beneath the surface.
“Men cry too, but no man should cry alone,” she said.
She also highlighted the mental health risks faced by police officers, noting that first responders regularly witness fatal accidents, violent crimes and sudden deaths, leaving many vulnerable to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can result in nightmares, insomnia, poor appetite and social withdrawal.
Psychotherapist from Psychotherapy Care and Counselling Services said many men turn to alcohol and substance abuse in an attempt to escape unresolved trauma.
He encouraged men to develop trusted support systems, seek counselling, exercise regularly and openly discuss emotional challenges.
“People drink beer as a way of escaping trauma. Let’s have people we can talk to. Exercise, cry and discuss your problems,” he said.
The symposium brought together representatives from government ministries, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission, financial institutions, the business community, health professionals, traditional leaders, religious organizations, development partners and members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.
The meeting ended with participants committing to promote mental wellness and reduce the stigma surrounding men seeking psychological support.