INTERVIEW: National Mental Health Care Namibia Director Cathy Kambanda on Men’s Mental Health

As we observe Men’s Mental Health Care Awareness Month, Cathy Kambanda, Director of National Mental Health Care Namibia, delivers a powerful message urging men to seek help for mental health issues. Kambanda emphasizes that help is readily available and addresses the cultural and societal factors that often prevent men from reaching out.

“Please reach out for help. Help is available,” Kambanda begins, acknowledging the societal expectations that can discourage men from seeking assistance. She points out that traditional notions of masculinity—such as the need to display strength, control, and self-reliance—can create barriers for men in need of mental health support.

Kambanda highlights the damaging effects of these stereotypes, noting that they often lead to men feeling misunderstood, judged, and weakened if they seek help. These beliefs contribute to a range of mental health issues, including frustration, substance abuse, difficulty concentrating, chronic worry, engagement in risky behaviors, and neglect of daily responsibilities. Tragically, these problems can escalate to suicidal thoughts and actions.

To combat these issues, Kambanda strongly advocates for men to reach out and understand that mental health care is a partnership. “In this life, I believe we should play 50-50. You bring your 50% and your psychologist will bring the 100% to assist you,” she asserts. She stresses that we no longer live in a time where men must remain silent about their struggles.

Kambanda points to the progress in education and training for mental health professionals, emphasizing that these experts are equipped to handle the complexities of human behavior and life changes. She acknowledges that men often face financial pressures, feelings of inadequacy in providing for their families, and even abuse, including physical attacks from partners. She urges men to stand up and seek help, not only for themselves but also for their partners, especially in situations of abuse.

Suppressing these issues, Kambanda warns, only increases the risk of suicide. “We need men in as much as we need women,” she states, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health issues for the well-being of society as a whole. She encourages men to seek training and mentorship if they face financial difficulties, reminding them that no problem is insurmountable.

In her closing message, Kambanda calls on men to take bold steps towards getting help. “You show a bigger sense of responsibility when you take that bold step to seek help,” she affirms. This act of seeking assistance demonstrates care for oneself and those around them, and it shows a commitment to ending personal struggles.

“So men’s voices matter too,” Kambanda concludes, reinforcing the importance of men’s mental health and the necessity of breaking the silence to foster a healthier, more supportive community.