A study conducted by the health ministry shows that suicide in Namibia is mostly caused by depression, followed by rejection, hopelessness, family problems, poor self-worth and wanting others to know the pain they are in.
Recent statistics show that Namibia had 779 people take their lives between January 2021 and July 2022. Out of that number, 643 are male adults, while 106 are female adults who ended their lives. During the same period, 18 male juveniles and 12 female juveniles died by suicide
The regional suicide statistics from January 2021 to July 2022 revealed that Omusati has the highest recorded 120 incidents of suicide, leaving Ohangwena in the second position with 114 cases. The Khomas region was placed third with 92 cases, while Oshikoto is in fourth place with 75 incidents.
“The study indicated the triggers for suicide attempts as romantic relationship or marriage break-ups, followed by family problems, financial crises, the death of a loved one, and physical or verbal abuse by a spouse or partner,” expanded health deputy minister Esther Utjiua Muinjangue.
She said the country’s national statistics are very concerning, and this is an indication that required swift and prompt responses to suicidal behaviour.
Muinjangue noted: “More males from both the adult and juvenile groups died by suicide. Therefore, different interventions with men and boys are strongly required in this case.”
“Due to that background, Omusati, Ohangwena, and Khomas regions need to double their efforts in the prevention of suicidal behaviour. However, all of us need to join hands in the fight against suicide in our country,” she hinted.
Suicidal behaviour has increased in Namibia, even with cases of suicide or attempted suicide pacts. A suicide pact is an agreement between two or more people to take their lives together, such as in the incident in Swakopmund this year.
Based on an earlier published article by this publication in February 2022, a couple was found dead at their home by a co-worker. Their pets – a dog and a cat – were also discovered lifeless. The couple, believed to be from South Africa and the United Kingdom, respectively has been living and working in Swakopmund until their death. The woman allegedly left a cryptic message over a weekend with a co-worker, saying that the co-workers should go to their home if she and her husband don’t turn up for work the next day.
“This is a grave concern for Namibia when we begin to lose two people at a time. That is why the country needs immediate public information and education on national disaster or emergency preparedness, response, prevention and mitigation,” said Muinjangue.