EDITORIAL: Turning a blind eye to our suicide crisis

“The opposite of depression is not happiness, but vitality,” Andrew Solomon, an acclaimed writer and survivor of depression and suicidal ideation, has said.

Vitality – the capacity to live, grow or develop. From the Latin 'vitalitas' – ‘vital force, life’.

Statistics show that more than 700 000 people die by suicide every year, and for every death, countless others fail in their attempts.

Consider, for just one moment, the profound despair that compels someone to contemplate ending their life as the sole escape from overwhelming pain.

For decades, Namibia has reported one of the highest global and regional rates of suicide or attempted suicide. And yet, it is clear that we, as a society, continue to turn a wilfully blind eye to this tragic crisis affecting so many of our fellow citizens.

Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional and economic consequences and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide. But the cloud of shame and stigma surrounding mental health still forces many to battle heart-wrenching pain and hopelessness with no help, empathy, understanding or action on their behalf.

This week’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day was ‘Changing the narrative on suicide’, aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations around mental health. Namibians have to heed this call to action. We need to open our eyes, ears and hearts to the real mental pain and struggles suffered by so many of us. Silence is not the answer. Let's be the brave Namibians we say we are and reach out to help those who see no way out other than ending their lives.