Why More and More Namibians Are Committing Suicide
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Tags: Kauna Shikwambi, Suicide
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MORE than 1 800 people committed suicide over the past four years, the latest statistics made available by the police reveal.
There were 437 suicides in 2012; 473 in 2013; 448 in 2014; and 464 in 2015.
The 2014 World Health Organisation data on suicides in Namibia ranks the country at number 157, with suicides accounting for 0,35% of total deaths.
The regions in the top four in the past fours years are Oshana, Ohangwena, Khomas and Omusati, which made up 10% of the deaths.
Omusati had the highest number of suicides last year with 73; followed by Khomas with 65; Ohangwena third with 63 and Oshana fourth with 58.
In 2014, Oshana was tops with 69; Ohangwena second with 67; Khomas sat on third with 49 and Omusati came fourth with 46 deaths.
Ohangwena had the most suicides in 2013 with 66 cases; Omusati was second with 64; Khomas at number three with 62; and Oshana fourth with 52.
The statistics also show that men are more likely to commit suicide than women, with 84% of men taking their own lives in 2015, compared to 16% women. In 2014, 83% men killed themselves, compared to 17% women.
Furthermore, the statistics show that between 2014 and 2015, 28 teenagers committed suicide – 19 in 2015 and nine in 2014.
Clinical psychologist Dr Shaun Whittaker yesterday said unemployment and loneliness cause stress, depression and alcoholism, which in turn lead to suicidal tendencies.
Basing his argument on a countrywide study he undertook this year, Whittaker said some teenagers commit suicide after failing in school or when relationships fail.
Using the example of Groot Aub (60km from Windhoek) where 91 suicides – 40 in 2012; 49 in 2013; zero in 2014; and two in 2015 were reported over the last four years, he said the decline could be attributed to the fact that some people got plots.
Whittaker said the high suicide figures show that the country requires a suicide prevention centre and the implementation of a Basic Income Grant to cushion the unemployed. Although he said most people hang themselves, the method usually depends on what people have access to.
“This means, for instance, that family members or friends should be concerned if someone who is depressed suddenly looks for a rope,” he stressed.
Police spokesperson chief inspector Kauna Shikwambi yesterday said they usually get reasons such as rejection, depression and financial difficulties as well as illnesses for suicides.
She said people must show one another love, and those who are suicidal must be free to talk about their problems.
According to the WHO, every year more than 800 000 people globally take their own lives, while many more attempt to do so.
