Inside Castle Lite’s world-first mindful matters bar!

Dr Khanyile shared her expert opinion on the subject, reminding everyone that the challenges which face men in 2020 are complex issues with many layers resulting from biological, social, and psychological shortcomings. She reminded everyone that even as grownups, our inner child relates to the world based on our personalities, our backgrounds and our mental strength which all impact they way in which we handle things.

“Men have always been encouraged to be competitive and this creates a burn-out cycle amongst them. What’s more, men always expected to show their dominance over others. And so the reason men have the highest rates of suicide is because they can’t talk to other men since they are always competing with each other,” she said.

Veteran broadcaster and musician, DJ Sbu offered his perspective as a man navigating social issues and pressures in the public eye. He reminded everyone that a lot of people envy those who are in the spotlight but this puts pressure on them to look and act a certain way at all times which creates a subconscious and constant need to be perfect. And according to him, this pressure is what has caused some of his peers to suffer from mental challenges such as depression. He also linked these struggles to what the youth face on a global scale with social media putting them in a constant spotlight.

According to a SADAG representative, statistics revealed that four out of five people who die by suicide are men. “Yet, day to day, as we interact with our friends, our families, our partners, and our professional networks, countless men still have trouble even using the words ‘mental health’ in relation to how they feel,” the gentleman said.

Meanwhile, Castle Lite Brand Director, Silke Bucker emphasised that “it is time to wither away the unspoken rules around mental health – because life would be much easier if we are comfortable to share the load”.

“As we enter the festive season, we wanted to give South African men the platform to reflect on how heavy things have been this year, to provide them with a platform to feel safe, learn about mental strength and start the last month of the year feeling lighter. The aim of the Lite Bar was to facilitate these conversations in a comfortable space, breaking the stigma surrounding talking about things that weigh you down,” Bucker continued.

“And sometimes people aren’t even as focused on you as you think they are; but because of the pressure you feel, you act the way you think you are supposed to. The society we are growing up in is a competitive society and now when you are famous or popular on social media, you have pressure to come across a certain way which isn’t always necessary,” he said.

Meanwhile both Ricky Rick and John Vlismas weighed in on breaking the stigma of mental health for men. Ricky spoke about how he has faced an internal struggle because he’s never really had a positive male figure in his life; someone he can confide in and share what he experiences as a man and a father.

In response to Ricky, John Vlismas reminded men that it is okay to seek help by speaking to someone and going to therapy. “People think there needs to be something wrong with you to go to therapy. But for me, it’s like gym for your brain; therapy is an excellent form of release and you don’t even have to be feeling bad to do it. Take time to work on yourself and be aware of yourself and what you need,” he said.