adminOVER the years, men have been known to be strong, resilient and never-say-die fighters.
Performing tough tasks, and displaying qualities of bravery, provided the foundation for the definition of men.
Defending the vulnerable, and the weak, against enemies were some of the qualities, which were always expected, from courageous men.
Added to that, real men would always ensure they provided for their families.
It was totally unacceptable for real men to struggle to fend for their families. They were also expected to protect their families against all forms of abuse.
Despite showing all this courage, men were not spared from the same challenges women face.
Rather, it was just a sense of pride, instilled in men, which always inspired them to find the courage, and strength, to always fight back.
However, a lot of men we have nowadays are fragile and weak.
The confidence, courage and mental strength, which made men such brave characters, appear to have vanished.
A spike in suicide cases, involving men, has now become a huge part of the daily news bulletins in this country.
Many men, who many believed were strong, have now succumbed to suicide in this country because they could not confront the challenges, which they were now facing.
It’s a very sad story and the statistics are rising, with each passing week, and each passing month.
The cases are now a regular feature of our newspaper headlines.
Infidelity, financial losses and marital woes are some of the major drivers of suicide among men.
In recent weeks, we have carried a number of stories, involving powerful men, who ended their lives, in heartbreaking fashion – by taking their lives.
A Marondera businessman, who shot himself dead at his brother’s business premise over a debt, shocked the residents of this beautiful farming town.
That he chose to do it, at a place his younger brother built into a very popular joint in this city, has left many with more questions than answers.
We don’t know the true story behind this tragedy, which has already spilled into the High Court.
But, what we know is that no amount of money is worth the tragedy of taking one’s life or the life of another person.
Yesterday, we ran yet another story about the late businessman, Kudzai Nyakutsikwa, popularly known as Boss Vlad, who died in a suspected case of suicide.
Many in the entertainment circles, in Harare and Johannesburg, where he had created his base, were shocked by his death as they looked up to him as their role model.
With details emerging that Boss Vlad was swimming in debt, and living a fake lifestyle, this should come as a lesson to many out there.
Living a fake lifestyle can be stressful since there are standards to maintain.
In life we should always learn to live within our means to avoid challenges which we then find too tough to deal with.
However, it’s also high time we address mental health as a nation.
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter