Siyabonga Ntshangase- Counselling Psychologist

20/12/2025

Brotherhood talk: support for men's mental health

Why men (seem) to struggle to open up:

1. Negative stereotypes about men who express emotions like crying or talk about their emotions as weak, which makes it difficult for them to open up.

2. Unrealistic expectations from society for men to always be strong and 'have-it-all- together; these beliefs make it difficult for men to open up.

3. Men are often ridiculed for talking about their issues, most response are too simplistic or prescriptive- rushing too quickly to advise without giving time for men to speak openly, thus making it difficult for men to open up.

4. Beliefs about manhood which are influenced by culture, society and/or religion favours men who are doing well emotionally, financially or socially and associating that with being a 'real man' which is a huge burden for men who fall short of these ideals, making it difficult for men to open up.

5. Traditional gender roles also happen to disadvantage men who feel they cannot speak to their loved one for fear of them falling apart or being overwhelmed by what they shared- this often leads to reserving or keeping their worries internally, making it difficult for men to open up.


Ways to help:
1. Challenge negative stereotypes about manhood, let's embrace Masculinity as a spectrum rather than 'black and white'.

2. Listen to males when they express their difficulties without judgment or criticism. This makes it easier for them to speak out.

3. Always ask questions before giving advice, ask whether they are willing to get help or explored other options.

4. Avoid trying to change a man, you cannot love anyone to the point of changing them. So tolerating negative behaviour, even when you are being sincere does not make an impact.

5. Appreciate and/or honour men, it is crucial for society to see men for their attributes more than their belongings. Treating men with respect is the most important thing society can do to uplift men.

By Siyabonga Ntshangase

15/12/2025

Hi Everyone,

I had the privilege of speaking in at Buttercup Wellness Podcast discussing Men and Mental Health. I spoke on the impact of mental health for males and share some tips on self care. Please watch and like, comment and share.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental wellness for men. Despite this progress, many men still face significant ch...

03/07/2025

Self-care is a masculine trait.

Men are usually seen as more at risk than women. The mortality rate is higher, and more men die between age 25- 55 years compared to women of the same age. That is why we need to advocate and support initiatives that prioritize men's health. Self-care is associated with health and a longer life.

Men let's take care of our physical and mental health, so we may live long enough to make an impact in our generation and the generations to come.

I will be discussing the topic of "health is wealth" at the upcoming annual God's Men Gathering. Let's all gather there and grow! Madoda!
Rev'd Gift Ngoveni

Siyabonga Ntshangase

04/06/2025

Madoda!

The countdown has already begun for the annual God's Men Gathering 2025. Hosted by the awesome Rev Gift Ngoveni, I have been invited to speak about "your health is your wealth". Be sure to join us!

Siyabonga Ntshangase

30/01/2025

As a speaker on mental health, I am passionate about stimulating thought and discussing about wellness. It becomes a double honour when I have to speak about mental health to the christian community particularly as many people in this space can be skeptical about addressing wellness from a psychological perspective. I enjoy seeing people move from resistance to acceptance of what I have to offer.

Join me as I will be at 'Women in the Boardroom' hosted by Women and The Scriptures discussing mental health and it's relevance for thriving in the workplace. Details on the poster.

23/01/2025

Hi Everyone,

I was invited to speak about the purpose of a VISION BOARD on the Sibuya Nawe show in . They were so kind to share the link of the podcast: see link below, your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
https://omny.fm/shows/sibuya-nawe-express-lane/sakha-isitjhaba-what-is-the-purpose-of-having-a-vi

09/08/2024

It's underated how great it is to endorse one another to follow unconventional paths!

Many people would not understand why I pursued psychology as a career. Some would even say I should have been a chrisitan counsellor, while others would nudge me to speak about Jesus as part of the therapy plan- since the Lord is the answer to all things! I am well aware of my calling and grace as for as serving the Kingdom is concerned.

While I have grown alot and have been able to stand up for myself, even allowing others the grace to be thoroughly informed by my responses to their seemingly ignorant observations, I cannot imagine how other people would be discouraged by these comments.

Many people have been discouraged for pursuing career paths that are different from the norm or the what they deem as acceptable. Especially in the christian community, where people who are gifted are only tolerated if their fullest exercise is within what is conventional ministry. Further than that, when these gifted individuals try to express whatever they believe is their God-given mandate, it is often dismissed as too worldly or flamboyant for the rather conservative church which further leads to distress and unworthiness.

Let's rather open the church doors of our minds and become a Sending church. Yes, the church is not meant to keep anyone, especially for longer that what they need. This stiffles the growth of many believers and breeds contempt and competition while the world continues to rot, while evil prevails. You may think, but what if they go out and ruin the image of the church? That may be your innate need to control people, we cannot control people- only the Lord has real control over people and leads them by His Spirit with patience and gentleness. Perhaps, the world would be a better place if we were to endorse the God (yes not capital 'G') in one another, without allowing uniformity to dictate our perception. We don't have to look alike to be part of the same family.

I would love to see many more christians in science, technology, art, sport, engineering, politics, government service and music and everything else that exists! Because, that is how we spread the salt and light in this world.

14/07/2024

13/07/2024

You made it through a hectic week, do not take that for granted.

13/07/2024

You made it through a hectic day. Do not take that for granted!

10/07/2024

What are some of the key issues when it comes to mental health in the business world? Join me and other esteemed panelists to discuss this topic and many others tomorrow on X.

https://x.com/i/spaces/1RDxlyEbBzmKL