I was shocked to learn that Namibians are so suicidal, vakuetu. This is no laughing matter when almost 500 people a year think it’s chaila time when they can’t resolve personal issues in their lives. Don’t get me wrong, I am not being judgmental, but it will be up to those who take their own lives to explain when they meet St Peter at the Gates of Heaven why they rejected God’s perfect creation and wanted out.
We have repeatedly said ours is a sick society that needs spiritual healing and we can’t be far from the truth when a 13-year-old thinks that hanging herself from the nearest tree because she failed exams is the only way out.
It’s human nature to feel depressed, angry and worthless when things don’t go our way, but none of these things should be reason enough to take one’s life. I am no psychologist and I certainly do not have all the answers but as someone who has been through many ups and downs in life, I live by this creed – “those who have not tasted the bitterest of life’s bitters, can never appreciate the sweetest of life’s sweet.”
I know you are surprised that I am being so philosophical, but sometimes it’s needed when you are dealing with societal catastrophes that are all too painful to accept.
According to statistics, moola is hanakam not the root of all evil; love is. Now I don’t know whether this includes infatuation, obsession and pure craziness, but Namibians can’t handle it when they are dropped like hot potatoes for another conquest.
Like I said before, I don’t have all the answers, but there are certain things we do wrong when we are dumped. The number one is drinking ourselves toe moer toe, hoping the pain will go away. It won’t; you might forget a little in your delusional state, but as soon as you are sober again and your head is beating drums, everything will come back to you in a flash. The best is to accept the situation as bitter as it is. Like they say, no one state is permanent.
Surround yourself with few good friends, even if it’s just one confidant you trust – your instincts will tell you. But don’t break the news to some shady friends who might rejoice in your demise, because before you know it, the whole kasie would have caught fire with the news and you know how we do, “Ja, it’s good, she thought she was kaking ice-cream.” You know misery loves company mos.
One more thing, don’t allow farther humiliation by showing up at your Ex’s house trying to win them back and worse off, throwing tantrums by breaking their house windows or slashing their car’s wheels. Ats, Tura for you there – you know who you are. Give everything time; it heals all wounds no matter how deep.
No one can walk in others’ shoes to completely understand their pain, but when all is lost, the one thing you still have left is your dignity. But all in all, look for professional help and don’t think psychologists and social workers are for people who kuku. They didn’t spend years in college for nothing.
Sorry Ngo!