Not All Wounds Bleed

They are everywhere, our brothers, cousins, friends and students, carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders, all while smiling politely and saying they’re “fine”.

Yet, too often, that silence is a mask for a deep, invisible pain.

In just the first quarter of 2025, Namibia recorded 124 suicides. Of these, about 108 were men.

Recently, three teachers from the Ohangwena region, men entrusted with educating the next generation, committed suicide within the same week.

These tragedies are not isolated; they reflect a painful truth: Namibian men are silently struggling.

What makes this reality complex is that the causes are not only medical or psychological.

They are deeply rooted in culture, lifestyle and societal expectations.

From a young age, many boys are raised to believe vulnerability is a weakness and that manhood means carrying your burdens quietly.

We often applaud men for enduring without complaint, but we rarely offer them space to speak honestly or ask for help.

This cultural conditioning creates a dangerous silence, one that isolates and can slowly erode mental well-being.

PERSISTENT PRESSURES

Alongside this are the harsh socio-economic pressures many young Namibian men face.

Low wages, rising living costs and the burden of ‘black tax’ create an environment where survival itself is a constant struggle.

Many are expected to support extended families, pay rent, send younger siblings to school, and somehow still build a life of their own.

The stress is relentless, and when unspoken, it becomes unbearable.

Some are barely holding things together, and no one knows until it’s too late.

Then there is the weight of lifestyle expectations.

Many young men turn to leisure and consumption, not out of carelessness, but in search of temporary escape or self-worth.

It is more a cry for dignity and control than irresponsibility.

In a society where success is often measured by material achievement, it is easy to feel inadequate when you cannot live up to those standards.

Some try to bridge the gap through debt, risky decisions, or emotional withdrawal, all of which worsen their mental and financial strain.

VULNERABILITIES

There is also an urgent need for mentorship and guidance, not just while boys are in high school but throughout varsity, after graduation, and during those difficult first years of work.

Transition periods are vulnerable moments when many young men feel lost and unsupported. A mentor who listens, guides and encourages can make all the difference.

Beyond economic and cultural pressures, there is a profound truth many of us overlook: Being alive itself is a privilege.

We have grown so accustomed to measuring our lives by material success, cars, houses, status, that we lose sight of the simple, yet profound, value of life itself. Life is not just about work and consumption; it is about connection, growth, purpose, and the small moments that give meaning to our existence.

We must learn to appreciate this and embrace the present.

To move forward, we must build a society that allows men to be human, where vulnerability is not ridiculed, and where seeking help is seen as a strength.

Counselling services must be expanded and normalised.

We must talk openly about mental health and listen without judgement.

Financial literacy should be a core part of education so that young people can make informed decisions and avoid traps that often lead to despair.

MEANS AND WAYS

We need to encourage living within our means and finding dignity in modest, steady progress rather than chasing the hollow markers of success.

Above all, we must be kinder, more present, more patient and more honest in our interactions.

A sincere check-in or a moment of genuine listening can save lives.

Namibia cannot afford to keep losing its men to silence.

It is time to break the stigma, dismantle the shame and redefine what strength truly means.

Not all wounds bleed, but all deserve healing.

– Heiki Namboga is a political analyst and a liaison officer.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.