Erongo Governor, Neville Andre has urged men countrywide to reach out for support with mental health issues.

Andre addressed the 2nd Edition of the Namibia National Men's Conference, held at Swakopmund under the theme ''Stop suffering in silence and speak out for a solution''.

Andre says events of this nature are significant as they provide a platform for pertinent issues, such as gender-based violence, suicide, and mental health, to be engaged and deliberated on, equipping men in society with vitally important information.

He explains that masculinity and the notion of being a man are associated with certain personality traits, including dominance, assertiveness, logic, independence, competitiveness, and strength.

He says men are expected to demonstrate physical strength, muscular ability, and dominance over women to fit the traditional masculine ideal.

In terms of grooming, he says society and traditions often call for men to behave and look a certain way in public.

Traditionally, he adds, certain roles are prescribed to men who are expected to fulfill them unwaveringly, from being breadwinners to providers, leaders, and protectors.

Andre noted that the expectations of gender roles are not unattainable if a man really sets his mind to fulfilling them; however, the pressure that society, traditions, and cultures place thereon sometimes makes it difficult to attain.

This may lead men to give up and choose to walk away from their responsibilities.

"Many times, men are confronted with the saying 'Man Up', insinuating that they should not be weak, show emotion, or be vulnerable. This discourages men from opening up, talking about issues that hinder them, and resolving challenges in a peaceful and amicable manner. It is for this reason that men resort to anger outbursts that end in gender-based violence, domestic violence cases, or suicide."

The Erongo Region has recorded 822 domestic violence cases over the two-year period to date, with 694 arrests.

A total of 37 suicides were recorded in the same period, 33 of whom were men