Santé mentale des hommes

This article is the result of a workshop that was carried out during the Counciller’s Meeting of the RTI HYM 2025 Paphos, Chypre. The workshop was organised by the RTI CSO, and facilitated by RT Allemagne 18 Wiesbaden with the title “Friends for Life for Mental Health”.

Les informations fournies ici ne remplacent pas une thérapie et peuvent ne pas être complètes malgré tous les efforts déployés.

Mettre fin à la stigmatisation

Men’s mental health is a growing concern that often goes unnoticed. Many men tend to hide their struggles, fearing judgment or believing they must appear strong. Tragically, this silence can have fatal consequences—men are statistically more successful in suicide, often because they delay seeking help until it’s too late. Sometimes, all it takes is a seven-minute conversation to save a life. By encouraging open and honest discussions, we can break the stigma and offer the support that so many men desperately need.

Round Table is more than just an organization—it’s the world’s largest brotherhood, united by a commitment to support and uplift one another. Over the years, many of our members have faced mental health challenges, making this a cause close to our hearts at every level. Unfortunately, mental health remains a taboo topic in society, often surrounded by stigma and misunderstanding. At Round Table, we believe in breaking this silence by fostering open conversations without judgment. By listening with empathy and speaking honestly about our struggles, we can create a safe space for our brothers.

Voici quelques moyens de nous soutenir mutuellement dans ce voyage :

Niveau individuel

If at any time you are worried about someone, nothing beats approaching them – this is not a replacement to professional help if this is required.

Ask open questions – “How do you feel?”
Ask twice – “How are you really feelings?”

• • Be attentive, honest and don´t judge. Some people have a hard time opening up.
  • Do not interupt when they speak.
  • There is no need to come up with a solution right away. Some things simply need to be spoken and heard.
  • Show affection. Be grateful for the trust they put in you.
  • Help opening up.
  • Show that you are for real and you are ready to listen.

  Niveau du tableau

  Au sein de Round Table, les structures de soutien les plus petites et les plus intimes sont nos Tables, où la véritable fraternité s’épanouit. Dans le monde entier, de nombreuses Tables ont introduit des moments au cours de leurs réunions qui permettent aux membres de s’ouvrir à leurs sentiments dans un environnement sûr et sans jugement. Ces initiatives, connues sous différents noms tels que :

  • • 3-Minute Talk,
    • Heart on the Table, and
    • Time to Vent,

    Whatever they’re called, they share a common purpose: to provide a space for honest expression without fear of judgment. During these moments, no minutes are taken, and the focus is not on offering feedback or solutions, but simply listening to each other. This opportunity to share and be heard by one’s brothers can make all the difference, reminding us that no one has to face their struggles alone. During these time, even hearing ourselves speak helps us come to terms with our struggles, and can stimulate healing.

    Niveau de l’association

    De nombreuses associations motivent ou soutiennent leurs membres par le biais de différentes campagnes. En voici quelques-unes :

    RT Germany – Initiative by RTDE 18 Wiesbaden

    RT Belgium – 4Club 1Vision [4C1V] & RT France – Amitie Assistance

    An association that support every member of the round table family that faces financial issues or struggling by providing financial support for a period of time going from instant help or a monthly amount – This is financed by an annual contribution of EUR10 for each member.

    RT Swiss – Mental Health First Responders

    Le programme “Mental Health First Responders” de l’ENSA forme des membres sélectionnés de Round Table Switzerland à reconnaître les signes de détresse psychologique, à offrir un soutien immédiat et à mettre les pairs en contact avec une aide professionnelle. Cette initiative basée sur les pairs crée un réseau de soutien qui encourage les conversations ouvertes, réduit la stigmatisation et renforce le bien-être mental au sein de la communauté.

    RT Sweden – Dare to ask campaign

    RT Southern Africa – “Don’t Camo Yourself”

    This campaign by Round Table Southern Africa raises awareness about men’s mental health and combats stigma by encouraging open conversations. The campaign encourages men to avoid “camoing”—a play on the word “camouflaging”—their mental health struggles, promoting open conversations and support-seeking behaviors. Through events like the Comrades qualifier in Bloemfontein, where participants wore vibrant camouflage attire, the campaign promotes seeking support without hiding struggles. Its goal is to break barriers and create a supportive environment for men.

    Campagne Round Table International

    ​“Check-in Tuesday” emphasizes the importance of checking in on each other’s well-being, fostering open conversations, and providing support. ​Some days can be more challenging than others and serves as a gentle reminder that it’s okay to have such days. It encourages self-care and reaching out for support when needed.

    En consacrant les mardis à cette cause, Round Table International vise à créer un environnement cohérent et favorable dans lequel les individus se sentent autorisés à parler ouvertement de leur santé mentale, ce qui permet de réduire la stigmatisation et de promouvoir le bien-être général.

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