Online Reporter
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
FOR many families, the warning signs often arrive quietly.
A young person suddenly withdraws from friends. School performance begins to decline. They lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Conversations become shorter. Smiles become rare. Relationships become strained. Sometimes they openly say life has become too difficult.
Too often, these signs are dismissed as normal teenage behaviour, mood swings or a passing phase. Then tragedy strikes.
A life is lost, a family is shattered and a community is left asking painful questions that may never be fully answered.
Across communities, concern is growing over what appears to be an increase in suicide cases, particularly among young people and men. What was once considered rare and shocking has become a disturbing reality that many families are confronting.
One question continues to haunt parents, teachers, religious leaders and community elders alike: What kind of burden can become so heavy that a 13-year-old child feels death is the only escape?
Mental health experts caution that suicide is rarely an impulsive act that begins on the day a person ends their life. More often, it is the final outcome of a long and painful internal struggle, fought in silence and hidden behind ordinary daily routines.
While police were unable to provide official statistics citing protocol restrictions, reports of suicide cases involving teenagers and young adults have increasingly become part of public discourse.
Men continue to account for the majority of such cases. This trend has often been linked to mental health challenges, family pressures, workplace difficulties and a cultural reluctance among many men to openly discuss personal struggles or seek help.
The growing concern has prompted various sections of society to reflect on the possible causes and solutions.
Cultural proponent, Mr David Mutambirwa, said suicide is not a new phenomenon and has existed throughout history, although modern social pressures appear to be contributing to increased cases.
“A lot of factors drive people to commit suicide, and sadly such cases appear to be on the increase. Some are linked to economic hardships, domestic problems and broader family disputes. There is also what many people believe to be a spiritual dimension, especially in families where there appears to be a history of suicide cases,” he said.
Mr Mutambirwa explained that, within African traditional beliefs, specific cultural practices are often followed when dealing with suicide-related deaths.
He said some communities believe that failure to observe traditional rites could result in recurring tragedies within affected families.
“When a person commits suicide, there are cultural processes that many families believe should be followed.
“Some people believe that if these are ignored, further tragedies may occur within the family lineage. Whether one believes in these traditions or not, they remain an important part of how many communities understand and process such losses,” he said.
For many families, cultural practices provide a framework for grieving, healing and making sense of painful experiences that often defy explanation.
Religious leaders also offer their own perspectives on the issue.
Reverend Kennedy Makwenda said suicide remains a major concern for churches because it reflects deep emotional, psychological and spiritual distress. He said many individuals who take their own lives may be battling challenges they feel unable to overcome.
“As Christians, we believe that life is a gift from God and should be valued and protected. Suicide is therefore viewed as contrary to God’s intention for humanity,” said Reverend Makwenda.
He noted that while theological views on suicide differ among Christian denominations, churches have an important responsibility to provide support, hope and guidance to those facing emotional struggles.
“The church has a counselling role. It must be proactive in discussing issues affecting communities and helping people navigate life’s challenges. Many individuals who contemplate suicide are looking for hope, acceptance and someone willing to listen,” he said.
Reverend Makwenda identified drug and substance abuse, gambling addiction, broken relationships, unwanted pregnancies, bullying and family instability as some of the factors affecting young people.
He said the increasing influence of technology has also brought new challenges, including cyberbullying, unrealistic social expectations and social isolation.
“The young generation is being exposed to many pressures. Some are struggling with drug abuse, gambling and toxic online influences. Others are dealing with broken homes, loneliness, relationship problems and mental health challenges.
“Many teenagers feel isolated. They often lack emotional support and meaningful communication with parents or guardians. Some feel misunderstood, unwanted or overwhelmed by life’s challenges,” he said.
Mental health advocates argue that one of the greatest obstacles in addressing suicide is the stigma surrounding emotional struggles.
Many people continue to suffer in silence because they fear judgment, ridicule or being labelled weak.
The result is that warning signs often go unnoticed until it is too late.
Experts say preventing suicide requires a collective effort involving families, schools, churches, health professionals and community leaders.
Parents need to create environments where children feel safe discussing their problems. Schools must strengthen counselling services and identify vulnerable learners. Faith-based organisations can provide support networks, while communities should promote open conversations about mental health without shame or stigma.
Above all, society must learn to take emotional distress seriously. When a child suddenly withdraws from friends, when a teenager begins expressing hopelessness, or when an adult starts showing signs of despair, those moments should not be ignored.
Sometimes the most powerful intervention is simply listening.
The tragedy of suicide reminds society that behind many smiling faces are hidden battles that others may never see. Every life lost leaves behind grieving families, unanswered questions and broken futures.
As communities grapple with this growing challenge, one message remains clear: no one should suffer alone, and no cry for help, whether spoken loudly or whispered quietly, should ever be ignored.
