The Urgency of Access to Men-Centered Mental Healthcare Services to Address Men’s Sensitive Issues in the Communities of South Africa

Abstract

South Africa yet again faces an upsurge of a national crisis. Approximately 13,774 deaths were reported in 2019 as a result of suicide. In total, 10,861 of the deaths were men. It has been said men usually take time to seek healthcare services. Most regard their problems to be solved over a few bottles of alcohol. Most of the suicides are linked to mental health issues. This poses an inquiry on the current services offered to address men's mental health issues. Therefore, this shows the significant urgency to access modified men-centered mental health services to address men's sensitive issues in the communities of South Africa (SA). However, this chapter seeks to review the prevalence of suicides, health-seeking behavior among men, and factors to poor utilization of mental health services in men. In addition, it discusses the proposed strategies to improve access to men-centered mental healthcare services.