Mallex Shipanga
With the fourth highest suicide rate in Africa, at 9.7 per 100 000 people, Namibia faces a critical mental health crisis.
Dr Gulia Lewis, a clinical psychologist, in an interview with the Windhoek Observer, urged the public to take preventive measures to address mental health challenges and reduce the risk of suicide.
“Preventing suicide when dealing with mental health challenges involves creating a supportive environment, promoting coping skills, and ensuring access to help,” she said.
The Namibian Police reported in September that they had 542 suicide cases for the 2023–2024 fiscal year.
Of this figure, 449 were men and 80 women.
The youngest suicide victim was five years old, while the oldest person was 103 years of age.
Lewis explained that mental illnesses like depression and anxiety often contribute to feelings of hopelessness.
“The good news is that help is available,” she said.
Lewis encouraged friends and family to provide support for mentally ill loved ones.
Mental illnesses are known risk factors for suicide.
Approximately 520,000 Namibians live with a mental illness.
She suggested advising them to seek professional help, checking in on them regularly, encouraging them to do physical activity, focusing on the future, talking about feelings, and having open conversations about mental health.
Lewis offered words of advice to anyone struggling with mental health issues.
“Take small, manageable steps. You do not have to solve everything at once. Start with small actions like taking a walk, journaling, or making a list of what is bothering you. Every little step can lead to big changes,” she said.
Lewis also encouraged anyone struggling with mental health issues to reach out for help.
“Reach out for support. Talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a family member, friend, or professional, can make a huge difference,” she said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes mental illnesses as health conditions that involve significant disturbances in behaviour, emotional regulation, or thinking.
Mental illnesses include anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, clinical depression, schizophrenia, and more.
