27/06/2025
As we draw to a close of Men’s Mental Health Month, we shine a light on the quiet strength found in openness and support.
Men’s Mental Health Month is a time to recognize strength in vulnerability.
Chileshe Mulenga, current Kitwe Round Table No. 2 Projects Convener, shares when asked who has supported him during difficult times, “It is impossible to think of a strong support system without mentioning my wife. She has supported my mental well-being the most. My family, of course, and my Round Table brothers, notably Kapambwe, Scotch, Cornelius, Francesco, and Kampamba (current Round Table Zambia President), made a huge difference during one of my most difficult experiences and moment of loss.”
To him, mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables you to cope with the stresses of life, realize your abilities, learn and work well, and contribute to your community.
In Zambia, one in five adults faces mental health challenges and struggles silently, underscoring the need for greater awareness and support. (Source: “Strengthening mental health systems in Zambia,” published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems on April 16, 2020.)
Chileshe emphasizes that communities play a vital role in helping men open up about their mental health. “Creating spaces for shared activities like sports, workshops, or social events fosters trust and connection, making it easier for men to share their thoughts and feelings without pressure.”
His approach to staying mentally strong includes staying active, whether through basketball, long drives, or surrounding himself with positive, supportive family and friends. It works for him.
And as we reflect on Men’s Mental Health Month, let us remember that mental well-being is not just an individual journey but a collective responsibility. Our efforts to create a more supportive community do not end here. It is an everyday practice. By fostering supportive environments and open conversations, we can break the stigma and empower men across Zambia to seek help and thrive. That is the community we believe in at Kitwe Round Table No. 2.
To everyone who supports men’s mental health, you are making a difference. Thank you.