EDITORIAL: We need a hug

We are not okay. Most of us are struggling. Uncertainty, fear, anxiety and depression have become deeply interwoven into our collective psyche as Namibians amid so many challenges.

Each day, we are bombarded with unspeakably tragic news. Drought, joblessness, repossession of immovable and movable assets.

Experts warn that the psychological impact of these socioeconomic difficulties is being grossly underestimated and neglected.

They warn that the emotional scars will take hold and cling to us as a nation for long – unless we acknowledge and address these challenges.

We need to recognise the fact that we are engulfed in collective complex cycle of devastating emotions. We need to admit that we are not okay. We need to realise that everyone is struggling right now. Denial will only exacerbate the situation.

We need to find ways to address this reality, unless we want to deal with the scars long into the future – or even to pass on the burden to successive generations.

The new normal consists of crushed lives, grieving families, a storm of endless fear and grief.

This very reality should give rise to a breaking of the taboo on talking about mental health. Acknowledging this collective tragedy.

So, while seeking solutions to the economic and social challenges facing our great nation, let’s also talk about our mental health. Let’s reach out, be kind and understanding and stand together collectively to weather this mother of all storms.