The reality is that the body eventually carries what the mind cannot fully express.
health
Stress and mental health: The silent burden
According to Dr Avron Urison, Chief Medical Officer at 1Life Insurance, South Africa faces a significant mental health crisis among men.
The reality is that the body eventually carries what the mind cannot fully express.
“ According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, South Africa is ranked number 10 on the list of countries with the most suicides( with 23.5 suicides per 100 000 people). Of the 13 774 suicides reported here in 2019, 10 861 were amongst men. Mental health challenges have become a major concern, with suicide now ranking as the fourth leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 20,” he explains.
“ While men are four to five times more likely to die by suicide than women, they are the least likely to seek help, as gender expectations continue to shape how men relate to their own wellbeing.”
Dr Urison says stress in men often presents differently from women and is frequently masked.“ Many young men are battling academic pressure, financial strain and social expectations, but they navigate these pressures quietly, hiding behind the harmful message that men must‘ man up and be heroic’ instead of reaching out for support. This mindset is not strength; it is a barrier that isolates men at the very moment they most need connection.”
He adds that the impact of stress extends far beyond emotions.“ What
www. babysandbeyond. co. za society often overlooks, however, is that emotional stress does not stay emotional. When ignored, psychological pressure becomes physical illness. We see this clearly in the rising rates of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes among men. The reality is that the body eventually carries what the mind cannot fully express.”
Dr Urison notes that one of the most common mental health challenges facing men today is stress related to social and economic pressures.
“ In fact, 1Life Insurance ran a poll during Men’ s Health Month that revealed just how serious financial stress is: over 68 % of participants( that’ s nearly seven in 10 South Africans) admitted that financial pressure significantly affects their mental health. Another 10.5 % admitted that their money worries are impacting their loved ones too.”
Studies have also shown that men are twice as likely to feel the financial burden in a relationship compared to women. However, men are not talking, and society is not making it any easier for them to speak up.
“ The pressure to appear in control reinforces the belief that vulnerability is not acceptable, making it even harder for men to seek help when they need it most.”
Routine health checks
No matter your age, you should prioritise regular health checks – not just when symptoms arise.
“ Annual wellness check-ups to monitor general health and lifestyle risks, such as blood, cholesterol and sugar testing, mental health checks, and sexual health / STI screening, are all tests that should be done at least once a year, from as early as possible and beyond,” notes Dr Moses.
He advises men in their 20s and 30s to perform monthly self-exams for testicular cancer. In their 40s, they should add bone density checks( if at risk), annual prostate screenings, and vision or hearing tests. From the age of 45, colorectal screening becomes essential, and any changes in moles or skin lesions should be promptly assessed.
Preventive screenings are not routine tests but vital early warning systems that help detect treatable conditions before they advance.
Small changes, big impact
Dr Urison emphasises that improving wellbeing does not require major life changes.“ Improving your health does not require drastic or overwhelming changes. Even small, realistic, and consistent lifestyle adjustments can significantly enhance your overall wellbeing. Start by prioritising quality sleep, engaging in regular physical activity and eating balanced, nutritious meals.”
“ Reducing alcohol consumption, scheduling annual medical screenings, and managing stress through healthy coping strategies such as speaking to a qualified healthcare professional, are equally important. These small but effective changes can make a meaningful difference – simple yet sustainable habits can help men build a stronger foundation for long-term health.”
The strongest approach to health, regardless of gender, is the proactive one. Annual check-ups, routine screenings, emotional awareness and attention to early symptoms help men maintain long-term wellness – for themselves and for those who rely on them. �
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