Mental health is health like any other, so goes a rising call for authorities to tackle more than just bodily diseases.
However, mental health services remain largely inaccessible to most Malawians, especially men who not only conceal their heartfelt agonies but also dominate the country’s suicide lists.
A man crying or admitting emotional struggles is often dismissed with a familiar phrase: Mwamuna salira (a man doesn’t cry).
But the consequences of the culture of silence—a time-honoured test of a man’s resilience—becomes heart-rending when the police release periodic suicide data.
However, some men at Biwi Market in Lilongwe are leaving nothing to chance.
They have found a safe space where they compassionately address mental health burdens, including depression resulting from alcoholism, mounting debts and broken relationship.
The ‘men’s corner’ looks simple: a dusty patch outside a rundown building where over a dozen gather around two checkerboards crudely painted on a wooden slab.
This is a daily session. As competing players move blue and yellow bottle tops on the checkboard, stories erupt—allowing men to release their pent-up worries.
In this way, the bottle tops salvaged from Kombucha and Frozy beverages are not just playthings, but tools to help open the heavy gates to the hearts of both the players and spectators.
Here, every move whispers: Harden not your heart; we’re here to support each other.
What looks like a casual draft game is an island of calm for Alison Phiri, 56.
There is no therapist, paperwork or consultation fees.
“We joke, we talk and many times, someone opens up. You wouldn’t believe how many lives this board game has saved,” he says, eyes scanning the board for a winning move.
Phiri says the group encourages open conversation about challenges including divorce, job losses, illness, poverty, debts and grief.
“These draft boards draw men from all over the capital city. There are people who come from as far as Area 23, 24, 36 and beyond,” he narrates.
Some players are employed, others jobless and yet others run various businesses. However, many are simply worn down by life’s burdens, hoping to get a listening ear and a hand up.
Minibus conductor Victor Kaswada, 42, has never found permanent employment since the Covid-19 pandemic.
He goes to the board every day.
He says: “I come here to forget everything. Oftentimes, I have nothing at home. But this game helps me breathe again.”
“Here, we talk more freely in a more casual setting, and that way, we form strong bonds.”
His eyes were locked on his opponent’s finger tossing the yellow bottle tops amid cheers from spectators.
Suicide rates among Malawian men are surging.
In the first half of 2024, police recorded 281 cases—a 20 percent increase from the 220 cases reported during the same period in 2023.
However, 246 of these cases were boys and men, highlighting a persistent gender disparity.
Data from the first quarter of 2025 also shows men are disproportionately affected by suicides.
National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya attributes the trend to untreated depression, economic hardship, substance abuse and a cultural silence.
On the other hand, St John of God clinical psychologist Frank Magagula says no single solution can tackle mental burderns unless one seeks counselling.
However, he says social play can help build resilience in people who need moral support.
“We need to encourage more such setups, especially since men are less likely to seek formal therapy. Informal peer groups like this can bridge the gap,” says Magagula
However, he said there was need to connect such groups with local counsellors for referrals and possible trainings in basic psychosocial support.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death globally.
In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported about 793 000 suicides worldwide, most involving men.
WHO estimates at least15 suicides occur in every 100 000 men in 40 percent of the countries, including Malawi.
