Suicide among men continues to rise
More than 80% of suicide incidents reported since the beginning of the year are men.This is according to statistics from the Namibian police (Nampol) which indicate that 151 cases of suicide were recorded from 1 January to 12 May, including 123 men, 20 women and eight unidentified persons.
The Khomas region recorded the most suicides in this period with 24 cases, followed by Ohangwena (23), Oshikoto (22), Omusati (21) and Oshana with 20 cases. The Hardap and Kavango West regions both recorded five incidents, ||Kharas four, Erongo 11, Otjozondjupa seven and Kunene three. The regions that recorded the lowest rate of suicides are the Zambezi, Kavango East and Omaheke regions, each with only two incidents.
Clinical psychologist Dr Shaun Whittaker reviewed the statistics and said the numbers are expected to rise even further, particularly among young unemployed men aged 20 to 29. "Their financial limitations are a major contributing factor," he said.
Whittaker said that gender roles and toxic masculinity affect men drastically. "Men are told not to express their emotions, cry or process their feelings and they go through an emotional crisis."
He also acknowledged that there is tremendous pressure on men to be the sole providers and because this burden becomes overwhelming, they resort to gruesome ways to take their own lives, such as shooting or hanging themselves.
In addition, he noted that women attempt suicide more often, but they tend to use less gruesome means, such as cutting their wrists, which increases their chances of surviving suicide attempts.
He confirmed that there is a pattern of suicides among men that has been going on for at least a decade
A report by the Windhoek Observer indicated that the Namibian police recorded at least 615 incidents of suicide between January 2022 and April 2023. A total of 485 were adult men, while 107 were adult women. Moreover, the report showed that the suicides were carried out in various ways. This included people who hanged themselves, shot, poisoned, stabbed or jumped, cut their throats, drowned, burned or took an overdose of medication.
Whittaker said that society has an unhealthy idea of how men should live and behave. "There is an unhealthy message that propagates patriarchy and it must be tackled."
The Inspector General of Police, Joseph Shikongo, gave the assurance that the police will continue to raise awareness of mental health through community engagement and policing. He further encouraged people to seek help when they need it.