Suicide is not the answer to every problem.

These were the words of Dr. Cornelia Ndifon, urging people to speak out.

According to police statistics, a total of 1,542 Namibians committed suicide between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023.

This means that on average, the country recorded over one suicide per day, with the vast majority of victims being men at about 82%.

Suicidal feelings can mean having abstract thoughts about ending your life or feeling that people would be better off without you.

"So we used to say you cannot be hated by all and you cannot be loved by all. There must be someone in your family, at work, or a professional colleague that you trust. You must find that one person, trust them, and speak your mind. Do not die in silence. 80% of suicide in men, probably because men do not cry, men must not cry, no, I am asking the man to please cry."

She says that if the economy improves in a certain country, it can lead to a decrease in the suicide rate.

She noted that both health and the economy play a big role in reducing the suicide rate.

Ndifon indicated that times such as festive seasons and Valentine's Day, among others, can trigger people to commit suicide.

"The course of the year we are going to talk about valantine, and than Easter, there is a possibility that around this festive when people who have had a particular experience that put them at risk, the festive seasons can be threatening, like if I do not have a relationship, what is Christmas for me, if I do not have a relationship, what is valentine, if I do not have a father, or if they do not care."

She adds that things such as loss of relationships, loved ones, mental health issues, and financial problems can also lead to suicide.