Suicide vs Creativity

The relationship between suicide and creativity has long been a subject of considerable concern, and in Namibia, certain conditions create an environment rife for those who are depressed to consider taking their own lives.
One might think creative activity is the highest expression of the life impulse, yet the people responsible for astonishing achievements in the arts frequently spiral into the darkness of despair and choose to end their lives.

The painter Vincent van Gogh famously cut off his own ear in a period of anguished depression. The writer Virginia Woolf walked into a river with her pockets full of stones declaring she could not live with “going mad again”. The composer Robert Schumann died in an insane asylum following multiple suicide attempts.

While there are many more examples of world famous artists that have taken their own life, none hit quite as hard as those close to home.

In the last two years, the Namibian creative industry has lost a few artists, including beloved rapper and producer Shilongo Peuyavali Ashipala, also known as Kanibal, who ended his own life at his mother’s house, and renowned Gazza Music Productions (GMP) dancer Mark Siseho Sibeso, who also took his own life at his home in Windhoek.

Although studies across the world indicate that several factors contribute to suicide, the most dominant and recurring factor is the availability of alcohol and drugs, coupled with the disruption to personal relationships.

Speaking to unwrap.online, Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Maximalliant Katjimune said the recent suicides in the entertainment industry are worrisome.

“As a parliamentarian, I view the recent suicides within the entertainment industry with deep concern. These tragic events highlight the significant mental health struggles that artists and creatives often face. The entertainment industry can be demanding, with intense pressure, competition and public scrutiny, which can take a toll on any individual’s mental well-being. These suicides underscore the urgent need for better mental health support and awareness in this sector.

“To better assist individuals in the entertainment industry and beyond facing mental health issues, the government can consider several policy changes and support measures. First, investing in mental health services and facilities, particularly those tailored to the unique needs of artists. This includes accessible counselling, therapy and crisis intervention programmes.

“Second, promoting mental health education and awareness campaigns targeted at the entertainment industry can reduce stigma and encourage early intervention,” Katjimune said.

People must start fostering a culture of openness and peer support within our society, so that they are better equipped to cope with pressures that come with surviving the world, whether in the entertainment industry or not, he said.

“It is important that we encourage opening up, regular health check-ups, visits to counsellors and providing access to fitness and wellness programmes for artists in the entertainment industry. The industry itself can play a significant role in promoting mental health. Production companies and talent agencies can implement mental health training and resources for their employees, in fact, they can even be made mandatory.

“Creating safe spaces for artists to discuss their mental health concerns openly is vital. Industry organisations can also collaborate on initiatives to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage the use of available support services.

“I assume factors contributing to artists’ mental health challenges in the entertainment industry can include the constant need to prove themselves, the unstable income that comes with the work, long working hours and the pressure to maintain a certain image.

“The unpredictable nature of the industry, along with high expectations, can exacerbate stress and anxiety.”

Katjimune said although there may be limited mental health resources available for artists in Namibia, raising awareness can be achieved through public campaigns, social media and partnerships with industry organisations, as well as creating a centralised platform or website with information on available services and resources.

“The media and the public can contribute positively by reframing the conversation around mental health in the entertainment industry. Promoting stories of artists who have overcome mental health challenges and highlighting successful mental health initiatives can help reduce stigma. Media outlets should be responsible in their reporting, avoiding sensationalism and respecting the privacy of individuals dealing with mental health issues.

“While I am not aware of specific plans or proposals for a comprehensive mental health programme tailored to artists and creatives in Namibia, it is a valuable idea that should be explored. Such a programme could involve collaboration between government agencies, mental health organisations and industry stakeholders to provide a holistic approach to mental health support within the entertainment sector.

“This might include counselling services, workshops and long-term mental health strategies specifically designed for artists and creatives,” he said.

Local artist Indenikuye Ndjukuma Shuudeni, better known as Msunday, said World Suicide Prevention Day is an attempt to save lives.

“We are saving lives and you never know whose life you are saving because we are living in a world where you are with someone today and the next day you hear the person committed suicide, so you never know who you are saving, it could be someone close to you, your friend or a family member.

“My message to the world at large is that if you are going through something, just know that you are not alone. This does not mean your whole life will be like that, it is just a thing of the moment, your life will not be like that forever.

“Talk to someone, maybe your friend or your family member, talk to someone – don’t take your life,” he said.

– unwrap.online

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