Mental health and suicide

ALFEUS LUNGAMENI (SUCCESS) HAMUNDJA WRITES:“The only thing I know is that I know nothing.” – SocratesFellow Namibians, mental health is a complex issue, and as human beings, we often cause harm to ourselves and others when we judge. It is easy to react and pass judgment, but what many fail to realise is that mental health challenges are a human problem and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, even the strong or seemingly happy.Life can sometimes become unbearably tough. The internal battles can be relentless and consuming. People are often told to speak up and reach out, which is good advice. Yet, sadly, sometimes those we confide in may magnify our problems or share them with others. When that happens, the struggle can feel impossible to overcome. Behind every tragic headline is a human being who needed support, understanding, and perhaps a life that never fully arrived. It is crucial that we approach each other with kindness, check in regularly, and create safe spaces where vulnerability is not just accepted but encouraged.Why do people commit suicide?Often, it is because they see it as a way to solve their problems. I believe that if those who have passed away due to suicide could speak to us, they would say that they were overwhelmed by the heavy emotions they carried in silence.In Namibia, the rising suicide rate is linked to a combination of challenges: broken relationships, infidelity, high unemployment, poverty, gambling, spiritual struggles, mental health conditions, debts, academic pressure, and a feeling of being stuck with no visible progress in life. The most consistent factor, however, is financial pressure.If more than 39% of Namibians experience financial stress, how can we not be among the countries with the highest suicide rates in Africa? Debts silently drown many, and financial strain often amplifies other struggles. Suicide in Namibia is therefore not just a health issue – it is a national emergency. Perhaps, when a member of our Cabinet or Parliament succumbs to this tragedy, our leadership will finally confront this national crisis. “Everything falls and rises on leadership.”Many of our loved ones have been lost to suicide, sometimes without notes, goodbyes, or any explanation. The pain is made worse by the culture of silence and the stigma surrounding mental health.As a nation, we must take action. We need spiritual education and healing, financial education and financial support, and the availability of trained health professionals in both rural and urban areas. In addition, we must run consistent public awareness campaigns to fight stigma and encourage people to seek help.In conclusion, every survivor is a reminder that help is possible and healing can happen – but only if we care enough to intervene. Let us raise our voices, open our hearts, and build a Namibia where no one has to suffer alone in the dark. Be present for our loved ones, friends, families, colleagues, and even strangers. Listen without judgment. Let us all find comfort in Matthew 5:3-6.God bless Namibia. Shalom!* Beste lesers, keuring vir die publikasie van WhatsApp, briewe en alle ander lesersbydraes berus by Republikein. Klagtes oor die diens van private besighede word eers aan die onderneming vir reaksie voorgelê. Die menings van ons lesers en rubriekskrywers verteenwoordig nie noodwendig die standpunt van Republikein nie. Republikein is ’n lid van die Redakteursforum van Namibië (EFN) en onderskryf die etiese kode vir die Namibiese media soos toegepas deur die media-ombudsman.

Mental health and suicide

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Republikein 2026-01-14

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Mental health and suicide

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Republikein 2026-01-14

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