Online Reporter
Vusa Martin Dube
SEPTEMBER is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to shine a light on a subject many communities would rather whisper about.
The month coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, an international observance established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The day is designed to raise awareness, challenge stigma and remind the world that suicide is preventable. This year, the global campaign remains under the 2024-2026 theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the call to action: “Start the Conversation.”
Zimbabwe needs that conversation.
Suicide remains a serious public-health concern, with men and young people among groups facing particular risks.
Statistics put Zimbabwe’s suicide rate at 14,1 deaths per 100 000 people, based on available 2019 data, while recent reports have raised concern over suicide among children and young people.
Globally, the scale is staggering. WHO estimates that more than 720 000 people die by suicide every year, while suicide was the third leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds in 2021.
In Zimbabwe, our Sister paper, the Chronicle, recently highlighted the vulnerability of men, who are reported to be three times more likely to die by suicide than women.
Behind those statistics are real people.
A man drowning in debt may laugh with his friends while secretly falling apart.
A teenager bullied at school may retreat into their bedroom.
A woman trapped in an abusive relationship may feel there is no escape.
Someone battling unemployment, substance abuse, grief, relationship problems, chronic illness or overwhelming financial pressure may begin believing that death is the only way out.
However, experts note that suicidal thoughts are a crisis, not a character flaw.
Anyone can experience suicidal thoughts, but risk can increase among people experiencing depression, severe anxiety, trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, bereavement, social isolation and major financial or relationship crises.
Young people need particular attention because bullying, abuse, family conflict, academic pressure and feeling unwanted can become overwhelming.
Men can also be difficult to reach because of the dangerous belief that admitting emotional pain is weakness.
It is not.
If you are struggling, talk to someone.
Speak to a trusted friend, relative, pastor, counsellor, teacher, doctor or mental-health professional.
Do not isolate yourself and do not try to drown emotional pain in alcohol or drugs.
If someone tells you they are thinking about suicide, take them seriously.
Listen without judging. Stay with them. Help them access professional assistance and if they appear to be in immediate danger, seek emergency help rather than leaving them alone.
You do not need perfect words.
Sometimes, simply saying “I’m here. Let’s get through this together” can be the first crack of light in someone’s darkest moment.
Based on September’s theme: start the conversation before the crisis becomes a tragedy.
suicide prevention is not just about saving a life today.
It is about creating a society where people feel safe enough to say, “I am not okay.”
