The Mental Health Coalition–Malawi has stressed the importance of having more male advocates to champion men’s mental health, aiming to create safe spaces where men feel comfortable opening up about mental health challenges.

This call comes as Men’s Mental Health Month, observed every June to raise awareness about men’s mental health, comes to a close.

Speaking to Zodiak, Collina Nkhambule, co-founder of the coalition and founder of the Little Mental Health Project, said engaging more male advocates could help foster a supportive community and encourage men to seek help and support without fear.

“Most people who offer free psychosocial counseling services are women, which makes it hard for men to open up on issues that are bothering them,” she noted.

Nkhambule further emphasized the importance of establishing support groups for men, where they can receive help from their peers and male counselors.

She acknowledged there is gradual progress, with more men beginning to seek external help, although the change is not yet as significant as desired.

“The gradual change is an indication that more men are opening up about their mental health,” she said.

Mental health journalist Herbert Chawinga echoed Nkhambule’s sentiments, stressing that men who open up about mental health issues need actionable support rather than only a listening ear.

“When men open up about their mental health, let’s focus on providing supportive guidance rather than hasty judgment,” Chawinga said.

According to police records, Malawi registered a rise in suicide cases among men, with 153 suicide cases recorded in the first quarter of 2025 alone — 125 involving men and 28 involving women.