Shattering the Silence
By Marion Scher
This book describes the anguish of men battling with mental health issues, along with reflections from the people who treat them.
Marion Scher weaves together two kinds of stories. First, the stories of South African men who have confronted their mental health issues. Second, the stories shared by the doctors who treat them.
Together, these narratives offer practical guidance. The book outlines where men, as well as their friends and families, can turn for help in overcoming the ever-increasing scourge of mental illness in our society.
Facts about men and mental health
Men in South Africa are five times more likely to commit suicide than women. Yet most calls to South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)’s helpline come from women. This shows that men don’t talk about depression, and they rarely seek help.
For this reason, Men and Mental Health explores the unique challenges men face. These include societal expectations, masculinity norms and the pressure to suppress emotions.
The book tackles the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. It encourages men to have open conversations with both health professionals and loved ones. In addition, the book includes powerful case studies. These feature well-known South African men such as Chad le Clos, Swys de Bruyn, Eugene Khosa, David Kramer, Robbi Kempson and many others from diverse walks of life.
Veteran journalist Marion Scher presents these stories in a straightforward, no-nonsense style. Her approach makes the content relatable and impactful for men from all backgrounds.
About the author
Marion Scher is an award-winning journalist, author, and media consultant. Over the past 30 years, she has written extensively on mental health.
In 2005, she received a Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellowship from the Carter Center in Atlanta. This opportunity helped her write Surfacing – People Coping with Depression and Mental Illness, which was published in 2021.
She is also the author of Big Bully – An Epidemic of Unkindness and has ghost-written numerous books for a wide range of clients.
As a media consultant to SADAG, she considers it an honour to support their outreach through the South African media. Her work contributes to Rosalynn Carter’s vision of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
- PUBLISHER | Bookstorm |
- ISBN | 978-1-77995-020-8 |
- Recommended Retail Price | R360.00 |
- Classification | Mental Health |
For more information | Janine Daniel | +27 (0)83 327 3393 | mail me |
