Young Namibians speak out on mental health

Young Namibians are speaking out about the growing mental health challenges they face amid social pressures, stigma, and a lack of support and safe spaces.
The growing pressures of social media, tertiary education, social comparison, and a lack of suitable resources are threatening the youth’s mental wellness.
The Namibian asked a few young people to share their thoughts on the topic.

Alicia Antonio (24)

“The pressure is real – especially from peers in their 20s. If you’re not on the same financial level as your age group, you feel left behind. That breeds overthinking, self-blame, and mental exhaustion. We rush to catch up too fast, even when we’re not ready yet. Employ more life skills teachers who can wrk one-on-one with students, and help fix issues before they become uncontrollable situations.”

Filemon Mathews (29)

“Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are two of the most prevalent and severe problems among the youth. I may feel safe discussing it, but not everybody does. We need to cut down on the stigma, help people talk openly, and make seeking help normal.”

Nestor Kambala (30)

“The problems are many – anxiety, depression, peer pressure, school pressure, social media pressure, and identity crises. These normally lead to isolation and low self-esteem. The majority of the youth are not comfortable enough to talk about these problems because of stigma or judgement. The schools and society have to give them frequent counselling, come up with awareness campaigns, and have youth-friendly safe havens.”

Penomwaameni Natangwe (23)

“Mental health really gets to the Namibian youth, but it’s something we don’t even discuss that often. The largest problem is not having spaces of safety – spaces where we can speak about what we’re facing without fear of being judged. There are too many who learn to keep silent about their challenges.”

Tobias Michael (31)

“As young people, mental health has hit us hard. We battle self-doubt and anxiety, feeling suffocated by expectations. Being heard and seeking help has been therapeutic. Knowing you’re not alone – mental health support can really shift your life. Let’s keep the conversation going.”

Selma Isack (26)

“Mental health affects young people through their stress-coping capacity, behaviour, and emotions. Anxiety, depression, and pressure from school and social media are common. If left unaddressed, it can affect relationships and performance. Open communication, knowledge, and access to help are crucial for the mental health of young people.”

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.