ONDANGWA - An inmate at the Oluno Correctional Facility has encouraged men to open up and seek professional help when they are faced with problems.
Speaking at the men’s conference on Friday at Ondangwa, Sem Hauwanga said there is no shame in admitting that one is struggling, and requires support.
“Tell someone you trust what is going on in your mind and your heart. You are not alone, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
There are professionals who can offer you counselling and therapy to help you cope with your problems. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help,” he suggested.
Hauwanga is serving a 14-year murder sentence and has thus far served nine years.
The message comes at a time when the country is observing the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence (GBV).
The inmate also advised fellow men to refrain from resorting to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism when faced with challenges.
Hauwanga said drugs and alcohol may seem like a quick fix or an escape from reality, but they are not, as they destroy ones’ health, relationships, finances and future.
“Drugs can impair your judgement, reasoning, emotions and behaviour. They can make you do things that you will regret later, and create more problems for you,” he continued.
Without giving much detail of what transpired on the day which led to him being sentenced, Hauwanga said he regrets it, and wishes that he could take it back.
“I have to live with the consequences of my actions. Therefore, I humbly apologise and ask for forgiveness,” he added.
But despite the pain and guilt, he has not given up on life, and has instead learned to cope with his situation.
“We have to acknowledge responsibility and take accountability for our actions and consequences. We have to learn from our mistakes and see problems as opportunities for growth and improvement, and not as obstacles and failures,” Hauwanga philosophised.
It’s okay to cry
Sharing similar sentiments, Namibian Police Oshana regional commander, Commissioner Naftal Lungameni Sakaria said men and women suffer from similar difficulties regarding their mental health, but there is a difference in the way they address them.
Speaking at the same event, he stated that women tend to be more open in discussing their feelings and emotions, whereas men tend to keep it to themselves and suffer in silence.
Thus, with many men suffering in silence and experiencing feelings such as depression and anxiety, much more needs to be done for them to feel both encouraged and comfortable with opening up and taking that first step towards seeking help.
“It is okay not to be okay. Masculinity comes from the cultural indoctrination of the male role - a belief system in some cultures where men are not expected to show emotions - men don’t cry,” Sakaria said.
He added that it is also okay to cry, as positive masculinity promotes equality, respect and dignity of all people, irrespective of their gender identities.
Furthermore, he stated that a total of 41 men committed suicide in the region this year, compared to 43 last year. Two men were raped, compared to three last year.
*Nuusita Ashipala is an information officer at MICT Oshana.
- Additional reporting by Nampa
Caption (Inmate GBV)