Zimbabwe Mental Health: The Silent Weight Men Carry
There is a saying in Zimbabwe: “kufa kwemurume kubuda ura,” the death of a real man is when his body lies lifeless, intestines spilling out. It’s a brutal metaphor, but one that has shaped generations. It tells men they must be strong, they must provide, they must endure and above all, they must never let anyone see them cry.
We grew up watching our fathers, brothers, uncles, and friends carry enormous burdens without ever speaking about what they felt. Even in the face of loss, men were expected to suppress their grief, to stand tall, and to take care of everyone else. Vulnerability was never an option. Resilience was praised, silence was demanded.
And somewhere along the way, many men learnt that asking for help was not courage but weakness.
As a social worker passionate about mental health, I have seen this silence again and again. Some men only speak when they’ve reached their breaking point. Others sadly, never speak at all. Behind the smiles, the jokes, and the hard work are untold stories of grief, financial pressure, relationship struggles, trauma, loneliness, and emotional exhaustion.
This silence is not harmless. It is costing lives.
Zimbabwe has one of the highest suicide rates in the region. Between 2015 and 2019, more than 2,000 men died by suicide compared with just over 500 women. Men accounted for three quarters of recorded suicide deaths. These are not just numbers. They are fathers, sons, husbands, brothers, colleagues, neighbours, and friends whose pain became too heavy to carry silently.
And suicide is only the tip of the iceberg.
Many Zimbabwean men live with anxiety, depression, stress, or unresolved trauma without ever receiving professional support. Mental health struggles don’t always look like sadness. Sometimes they show up as anger, alcohol misuse, emotional withdrawal, overworking, risk-taking, or constant irritability. Too often, these behaviours are dismissed as personality quirks instead of recognised as cries for help.
Why Do Men Stay Silent?
The answer lies deep in our culture.
From boyhood, we are told: “murume haacheme” (men don’t cry). Boys are taught to suppress emotion, to solve every problem alone, to protect everyone else before themselves. Strength is defined by silence. Vulnerability is erased.
But resilience without release is dangerous. A man can be strong and still ask for help. He can lead his family and still admit he is struggling. He can be courageous enough to say, “I am not okay.”
Yet stigma remains a wall too many cannot climb. Men fear being judged, laughed at, labelled weak, or losing respect if they speak openly. Others simply don’t know where to turn, or believe no one will understand.
Changing the Narrative
We must rewrite this story.
Mental health conversations should be as normal as talking about blood pressure, diabetes, or fitness. Families must create safe spaces where men are listened to without criticism. Churches, workplaces, schools, sports clubs, and communities all have a role to play in encouraging honesty and connecting men to support.
Seeking help is not weakness. It is responsibility – powerful awareness.
The strongest men are not those who carry every burden alone. They are the ones who recognise when the load has become too heavy and have the courage to reach out before it is too late.
This article is not the end. It is the beginning of a conversation. My hope is that it encourages every man reading to check in with himself, and every person reading to check in with the men they love. Sometimes one genuine conversation can save a life.
Have that conversation with me. I am Uncle Mo, and I am starting this journey to debunk the myths around men’s mental health. I look forward to engaging with your thoughts either in my inbox or in the comments section below – let’s discuss.
