Namibians urged to be mindful of others in a bid to prevent suicide

Windhoek Central Hospital Mental Health Centre head Dr Hilen Ndjaba calls on Namibians to help prevent suicide by being mindful of others.

Ndjaba made the call during the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day at the hospital’s mental health facility on Friday.

The event, attended by medical practitioners, the chairperson of the Mental Health Board and members of the public, was held under the theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.

Minister of Health and Social Services Esperance Luvindao recently revealed that 112 Namibians, including four children, succumbed to suicide between January and August this year.

According to the World Health Organisation, Namibia has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, estimated at 9.7 per 100 000 people. Globally, suicide ranked as the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29 in 2021.

“Please pay more attention. Be your brother’s gatekeeper,” Ndjaba urged, advising that individuals stay alert to signs of distress among those around them.

Signs of depression may include sadness, hopelessness and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed, she said, adding that people should seek help, because without speaking out, it is impossible for others to know what they are going through.

“We will not come and spot you or identify you. Even with magnifying glasses, I will not be able to know who is thinking about suicide,” she emphasised.

Also speaking at the commemoration, Dr Adelinu Celestino from the Mental Health Centre stressed the need for collective action to support those experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“We need to take action to help people battling with suicidal thoughts so that they do not die due to suicide. By working collaboratively, we can create hope,” said Celestino.

– Nampa

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