Suicides among men continue to rise at alarming rate

The Namibian Police have recorded 151 suicides between 1 January and 12 May, with men accounting for 123 of these deaths. Twenty of the cases involved women, while the gender of eight cases was not made public. Year-to-date statistics show that the Khomas Region recorded the highest number of suicides, totalling 24, followed by Ohangwena with 23, Oshikoto with 22, Omusati with 21 and Oshana with 20.The regions with the lowest number of suicides are Zambezi, Kavango East and Omaheke, each reporting two suicides. Hardap and Kavango West both recorded five, //Karas four, Erongo 11, Otjozondjupa seven and Kunene three.Toxic pressuresClinical psychologist Dr Shaun Whittaker warned that the numbers are expected to rise, particularly among young, unemployed men aged between 20 and 29.“Their financial constraints are a major contributing factor,” he stated.Whittaker explained that gender roles and toxic masculinity perpetuated by society have a significant impact on men. “Men are told not to express their emotions, cry or process their feelings when they go through an emotional crisis.”He also acknowledged the tremendous pressure on men to be the sole providers, and when this burden becomes overwhelming, they may tragically resort to ending their lives at their own hands. Additionally, he noted that while women attempt suicide more often, they tend to use less fatal methods, which increases their chances of surviving suicide attempts.Address patriarchyWhittaker highlighted that there has been a pattern of male suicides in Namibia dating back at least ten years.A report by the Windhoek Observer indicated that at least 615 suicides were recorded by the Namibian Police between January 2022 and April 2023. Of these, 485 were adult men, while 107 were adult women.Whittaker advised that society perpetuates an unhealthy depiction of how men should live and behave. “There is a very unhealthy message that patriarchy propagates, and it needs to be addressed,” he stressed.Shikongo said the police will continue to raise awareness of mental health through community policing and engagement, and urged people to seek help when needed.

Suicides among men continue to rise at alarming rate

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Suicides among men continue to rise at alarming rate

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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