The Staff-Wellness office at the North-West University (NWU) acknowledges the unique challenges that men encounter and affirms their right to receive support. In a significant step towards prioritising men’s mental health and emotional well-being, they hosted an innovative men-only online seminar centred around the theme “Managing emotions and Intergenerational Trauma”. The hybrid event took place on the Vanderbijlpark Campus on Friday, 11 July, and included virtual participation from colleagues at the Potchefstroom and Mahikeng campuses.
Ms Melody Ngcuka, a clinical psychologist, facilitated the session and guided participants through complex discussions. She examined the understanding of intergenerational trauma and its legacy in men’s lives. “When trauma goes unaddressed, it can have a lasting impact on how the survivor navigates life,” she stated.
Ngcuka urged the participants to acknowledge their feelings and emotions and learn to put them into words. “We do not want to change men into women, though we want to encourage them to recognise and understand their emotions.”
Breaking the silence
Critical issues that were looked into included emotional suppression, unresolved childhood trauma, and the ways in which feelings such as anger, fear and guilt often remain hidden under the surface of life. One of the central themes focused on emotional intelligence, and through this participants were equipped to understand and express their feelings in healthy ways.
Ngcuka noted a significant increase in men seeking mental help. She also encouraged participants to embrace the opportunity to consult professionals in a collective effort to create new community role models.
Further, by examining generational patterns and emotional triggers, the online seminar also aimed at reminding men that it is acceptable to experience emotions and seek healing.
The online seminar also addressed the link between unsettled trauma and gender-based violence (GBV), focusing on practical strategies to prevent violence by fostering healing and the understanding of emotions.
Room for change
This initiative by NWU Staff-Wellness forms part of their men’s well-being series that is designed to break the silence and provide a safe and reflective space for men.
Ike Mabelebele, junior lecturer at the Faculty of Education, emphasised the need for more webinars that will allow men to express themselves.
“We need to get more opportunities for men to be vulnerable and express themselves, and men should not just be helped in June, the month dedicated to men’s mental health awareness.”
In the end, this online seminar sends a strong message: “Men cry too and that is okay.”
Towards opening doors for healing
The online participation of the seminar
