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By Marlvin Ngiza
Communities have been urged to play a critical role in reducing suicide cases through offering the desired support for people experiencing difficulties to ensure that they are not overwhelmed by suicidal thoughts.
As the month of October,the month of raising awareness on suicides comes to an end,local therapist and counsellor Nyarai Bakasa said people should desist from judging, labelling and minimizing others’ problems.
She further highlighted that this necessitates a conducive environment for the affected group to openly share their feelings.
“Communities should sympathize with people going through difficult experiences rather than labelling them,judging or minimize their problems.
“If one feels he or she is attended to,the sharing of feelings becomes easy,so as communities let’s continue to raise awareness depending on what the individual is going through.
“All of us family, community,educators, religious leaders, health professionals and the government can take action to prevent suicide,”said Bakasa
Bakasa added that suicide is prevalent among teenagers,young adults,elderly with risk factors being drug abuse,sexuality identity and financial challenges hence the need to enforce mental health education.
“Suicide is prevalent more among teenagers,young adults,the elderly above 60s with man being at high risk.
“Other causes of suicide include domestic violence,drug abuse,sexuality identity crisis in young adults and financial challenges among others.
“Communities need to be educated on mental health issues and on how dangerous it is to judge and stigmatize other people,”added Bakasa
Meanwhile,Bakasa encouraged those who are facing challenges to seek advice and help as soon as possible.
“It is important to seek help before its too late,as therapists and counsellors we are here to help you,”she said
This year’s Mental World Day was commemorated on the 10th of October under the theme, “Creating hope through action”.
According to World Health Organisation(WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds and more than 700 000 people die due to suicide every year.
WHO indicates that 77 percent of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
“Every year 703 000 people take their own life and there are many more people who attempt suicide. Every suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and entire countries and has long-lasting effects on the people left behind. Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year-olds globally in 2019,” WHO said in June this year.
Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.