We are not at war but our young men die by the boatload. This week, during the commemoration of the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day on Monday, the government said 623 suicide cases were recorded between August 2022 and June 2023 – and out of these, 511 (82%) were male, while 92 (15%) were female.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, said 3.2% or 20 individuals from the youth demographic are included in the total number of suicides, which is a cause of concern.

“This illustrates that the death rate by suicide is 21 per 100 000 population, with the highest incidence being experienced in Omusati, Oshikoto and Hardap regions,” he said.

The rising rate of suicide in Namibia has become a cause for concern, necessitating immediate attention and comprehensive strategies to address this alarming trend. 

To tackle the issue of suicide effectively, it is essential to grasp its root causes and contributing factors. 

The high suicide rate is influenced by a range of factors. 

These include the presence of a pervasive mental health stigma that discourages individuals from seeking help, economic challenges, stemming from unemployment and poverty, which intensify feelings of hopelessness, as well as social isolation, which heightens vulnerability to suicide, especially within marginalised communities. 

Joblessness significantly contributes to the risk of suicide. The loss of employment often leads to feelings of hopelessness, financial strain and a sense of purposelessness. 

Individuals facing joblessness may struggle with the psychological impact of reduced self-worth and social isolation. 

The financial burdens arising from unemployment can create overwhelming stress, which exacerbates pre-existing mental health issues or triggers the onset of such problems. 

Without the structure and social connections that work provides, people may find themselves without a support system, amplifying the risk of suicide as they grapple with the emotional and economic challenges associated with joblessness.

Additionally, the availability of lethal means, like pesticides and firearms, amplifies the lethality of suicide attempts. 

Furthermore, certain cultural practices and beliefs contribute to the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, creating barriers to individuals seeking assistance.

Efforts to combat the high suicide rate must be comprehensive and integrated, as no single approach alone can make an impact on an issue as complex as suicide.

To address this pressing issue, a series of preventive measures has been proposed. One approach involves launching extensive mental health awareness campaigns to destigmatise mental health issues and encourage people to seek assistance.

 These initiatives can be implemented across various settings, including schools, workplaces and community organisations.

Furthermore, efforts should be made to enhance the accessibility of mental health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while ensuring their affordability to all members of society. 

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses and counsellors, should receive comprehensive training to better identify and address mental health concerns. 

Establishing 24/7 suicide crisis hotlines, staffed by trained professionals, can offer immediate support to individuals in distress. 

Targeted youth outreach programmess should be developed to equip young people with coping mechanisms, life skills and a robust support system, reducing their vulnerability to suicide. 

Moreover, interventions should be tailored to meet the unique needs of vulnerable populations, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and indigenous communities. 

Encouraging responsible media reporting of suicides is crucial, as sensationalised reporting can inadvertently trigger copycat attempts. 

Promoting community engagement through grassroots initiatives, neighbourhood gatherings and social activities can counteract social isolation.

 Implementing stricter regulations governing the sale and storage of lethal means, especially firearms, is another essential step. 

Also, embracing cultural sensitivity by engaging with community leaders and elders to facilitate open discussions about mental health and suicide while respecting cultural values and beliefs, can further enhance suicide prevention efforts in Namibia.

Preventing suicides in Namibia is a complex challenge that demands a multifaceted approach. By raising awareness, improving mental health services, addressing economic hardships, and fostering a sense of belonging, Namibia can make significant strides in reducing the rates of suicide. 

It is a collective responsibility of individuals, communities, healthcare professionals and policymakers to come together and work toward a future where suicide is a rare and preventable tragedy. 

Through these concerted efforts, Namibia can save lives, reduce suffering and build a healthier, more resilient society for all its citizens.