4 minute read
Create hope through action!
Mental health is an essential aspect of our overall well-being, and its significance cannot be overstated. Not everyone is vocal and finds it easy to speak up when they go through a difficult time in their lives. Many a time people are not aware that the very person you cross paths with everyday or on a regular basis suffers from some form of mental health condition, be it depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Don’t get me wrong, noticing a change in behaviour can sometimes be hard – but start off by paying attention to detail, the smallest actions that you would never even think of. That already is a step in the right direction: notice a difference and identify the unusual in others that some might miss, before it is too late. Reach out and help others who might feel hopeless. One of the most significant challenges which individuals with mental health issues face is the pervasive stigma that surrounds these conditions. People often feel ashamed or afraid to speak openly about their struggles. That leads to isolation. Just by being there for someone suffering from mental health already creates a safe space for them to open up and share their feelings without fear of judgment. This act alone can be incredibly liberating and the first step towards healing.
THE REALITY
According to the World Health Organisation it is estimated that worldwide there are currently more than 700 000 suicides every year. The 2021-2023 annual theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, commemorated on the 10th of September, is Create hope through action. We need to create constant awareness that there is hope and that there is an alternative to suicide by uniting as a nation and encourage hope and strengthen prevention among communities. Programme data from August 2022 to June 2023 indicate that Namibia lost 623 lives to suicide, of which 511 or 82% were men and 92 or 15% were women. Most worrying, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), is the fact that the youth demographic accounts for 3.2% (or 20) of the total number. This illustrates that the death rate by suicide is 21 per 100 000 population, with the highest incidence recorded in the Omusati, Oshikoto and Hardap regions. “These numbers confirm that suicide is a major public health concern in Namibia and must serve as a call to action to prevent further incidences,” said the Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula.
As a sufferer, identify an individual you can confide in. Someone who you feel comfortable with no matter what you share with that person. Reaching out to someone and sharing your inner thoughts goes a long way.
Building trust takes time, but it is essential to make that first move. The Directorate for Social Welfare Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has established a National Suicide Prevention and Treatment Action Group. This multi-sectoral team of experts consists of different government offices, ministries and agencies, including regional chief social workers representing their regional action groups with the aim to ensure collaboration between service providers in the prevention and treatment of suicide. According to Minister Shangula the group is in the process of developing the second Suicide Prevention and Treatment Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 with a clear implementation schedule, as well as the Suicide Prevention Community Toolkit that will provide guidelines on the establishment and strengthening of suicide prevention and treatment programmes in all regions. The tools are to be finalised and launched during the current financial year. “A new Mental Health Bill that will revolutionise the approach and management of mental health is in the final stage of development and will be introduced in Parliament in due course,” Shangula said.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
In August 2023 the Minister appointed and inaugurated the Mental Health Boards for the Oshakati Intermediate Hospital and the Windhoek Central Hospital. Every new hospital is to have a dedicated department for mental health. “Priority will be given to health workers who wish to specialise in mental health for further training, and efforts to fight stigma and discrimination of persons with mental disorders will be strengthened”, Shangula announced. As a nation we all have to do our part. Being there for someone suffering from a mental health condition is not just a kind gesture, it is an essential element of their journey to recovery. Your presence can help reduce stigma, provide emotional support, encourage seeking professional help, reduce suicidal risk, promote self-care, and build trust and a supportive network. Remember, just by being empathetic, patient and understanding you can make a significant difference in the life of someone facing mental health challenges. You can offer them hope, healing and the reassurance that they are not alone in their struggle.
