The Founder of Hephzibah Mental Health Wellness Centre, Cynthia Martin, has called on all Namibians to join hands in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse.
She made this call during the Sunflower Night of Pledges in the capital.
The Night of Pledges is aimed at raising awareness about youth mental health and substance abuse in communities.
The night is focused on raising awareness of the effects of substance abuse, the well-being of young people, the reduction in school performance, and the overall health in homes and communities.
Martin highlighted the critical role all Namibians must play to address substance abuse and create a safe society.
"Mothers and fathers, if you know your child is using drugs, remove the mask, pick up the phone, and call the centre or any professional who can help you. Because looking at the statistics of the suicide, before I even came here, I got a phone call about a child who wanted to commit suicide. This is a serious, serious call for all Namibians— the parliamentarians, the businesspeople, the community leaders, and the church leaders. Everybody needs to join hands and say that we will fight this fight."
Another objective of the event was to educate parents on the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and to encourage them to be a support system to their children.
Parents were urged to reach out to professionals if their children are involved in alcohol and drug abuse for assistance.
The night also discussed habits such as the use of hubbly bubbly, alcohol abuse and vaping, highlighting addiction to social media, depression and anxiety.
Dr. Susanne Heynen, a psychologist, also encouraged parents to create an environment for their children to open up to avoid the increase in suicides, depression and mental issues.
"The families – and for me it's very important – and I think and hope that's helpful for Namibia too, that families hold together, that young people hold together, and they are open to recognising and talking about problems. It's no stigma; it's not wrong when you feel psychological problems."
One of the attendees, Elton Cluster, commended the centre for the initiative, mentioning that he hopes to be assisted through the programmes.
"So tonight I took this opportunity to come and listen, to seek help and advice, and to see how to overcome this depression that I've been suffering from for so many years. Sometimes I feel like going to drink, sometimes I feel like using drugs, and sometimes I feel like committing suicide. But before I do that, I go to the hospital and ask for help."