A recent spate of suicides in various regions of Namibia has raised concern and shed light on a pressing need for enhanced mental health support and awareness.

679 cases of suicide have been reported in Namibia since last year, of which 82% were men.

The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Kalumbi Shangula, stated that the suicide rate among men is high because men are discouraged from seeking help because they are often labelled as weak.

In a deeply distressing incident that has reverberated throughout the Eenkundi-Okando village, a 37-year-old man who was struggling with mental health challenges died when he was engulfed by flames while being restrained to a bed.

The management of Oshakati Intermediate Hospital in the Oshana Region is advocating for the establishment of a mental health hospital in Oshana to address the high volume of mental health patients who are currently being directed to Oshakati Intermediate Hospital on a daily basis.

Namibians are confronted with the tragic reality of suicide and mental health issues, particularly among the youth.

Mental health activists have urged parents to create a safe environment for their children to feel comfortable enough to speak up when they have problems.

Mental health activist Immagine Shikomba calls on parents to be more open-minded by accepting that mental health is real.

Some residents of Swakopmund took part in a walk-and-run event to heighten awareness of mental health and associated illnesses.

This year, mental health awareness is done under the theme "Making Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority." 

The founder of National Mental Health Care Namibia,Cathy Kambanda has encouraged employees to immediately report any inappropriate behaviour, such as bullying at work, to management.

Parliamentarians from all political divides in the National Assembly are speaking with one voice regarding the issue of mental health in the country.