“The only thing that I know is that I know nothing.’’ – Secrets.

Fellow Namibians, mental health is a complex phenomenon, and we as human beings cause ourselves and others harm when we judge. Yes, it is very easy to react and judge others, but what many of us fail to take into consideration is that mental health is a human problem, and suicidal thoughts can creep into anyone’s mind.  Even the strong, the ones always happy. Fellow Namibians, Life can become unbearably tough at times; the internal battles can be relentless and consuming. People are told to speak up and reach out. Yes, that is good, but on the other hand, sometimes people we share our problems will magnify our problems and sadly spread them to anyone else, like nobody’s company, and when that happens, it feels impossible to overcome. It is a very sad reality that behind every tragic headline is a human being who needed support, understanding and a life that may have never arrived. It is very important to approach people with kindness to check in on one another and to create a safe space where vulnerability is not only accepted but encouraged.

Why do people commit suicide?

It is because they want to solve the problems. I think and believe that is the reason we can get from those who have gone before us, due to it, if it were possible for them to come back. I believe that is the only reason they will give. In other words, they have carried those heavy emotions in silence until they consumed them. Fellow Namibians, what is causing the higher suicide rate in our country is well known, and it is the combination of many challenges, which includes broken relationships, infidelity, higher unemployment rates, poverty, gambling, spiritual struggles, mental health conditions, debts, academic pressure and the feeling of being stuck with no visible progress in life, but the most consistent factor is financial pressure.

Statistics will always guide us. I mean, if more than 39% of Namibians are reported to be experiencing financial stress, how can we not be number one in suicide rate in Africa? Fellow Namibians, let the truth be told: debts are silently drowning many, and financial strain often amplifies other struggles. So suicide in Namibia is not just a health issue; it is a national emergency. It is not my interest to offend anyone, and perhaps I am wrong about this, but I am just thinking and imagining that perhaps, one day, one of the cabinet ministers or a member of parliament will succumb due to this unnatural death; perhaps that is the day our leadership will start to be unapologetic about this national trauma. Everything falls and rises on leadership.

Fellow Namibians, many of our loved ones are gone unexpectedly due to suicide. In some cases, no notes are left. No goodbye. Just silence. Words left unspoken. It is even worse; the pain is made worse by our culture of silence and stigma that still surrounds mental health.

Here are four actions that we must take as a nation:

1. Spiritual education and healing. 2. Financial education and financial support. 3. Ensuring trained health professionals are available in both rural and urban areas, and 4. Consistent public awareness campaigns to fight stigma and encourage people to ask for help.

In conclusion: every survivor is a reminder that help is possible – that healing can happen, but only if we care enough to intervene. Let us raise our voices, open our hearts, and build a Namibia where no one has to suffer alone in the dark. Let us be available to our loved ones, friends, families, colleagues and even to strangers. We also need to listen to people; we must not jump to conclusions or make judgements. Let us all find our comfort in Matthew 5:3-6. GOD BLESS NAMIBIA. SHALOM!