Clinical psychologist Joab Mudzanapabwe has urged men to create positive spaces for entertainment and interaction. 

Speaking at the Men on the Move event, held as part of Suicide Prevention Month, Dr. Mudzanapabwe challenged men to come up with initiatives that promote fun, connection, and wellbeing.

"The doctors can cure us from our illnesses, but they cannot make us happy, can they? The doctor can preach the whole day, but he cannot make us happy. We need to find happiness. We need to find meaning. I would want to challenge men here, including the women who have courageously joined men, to establish a movement, a movement towards finding happiness."

Men from all walks of life, joined by a few women, converged at Inner City Lutheran Church to interact, share openly and discuss what it means to be resilient in the midst of adversity.

One of the attendees, Cleophas Matinhari, lamented the lack of knowledge and practice "when it comes to attending to our people in our community who have mental disorders. Because, as believers as well, we believe that they are spiritual manifestations, but at times they mimic psychological illnesses as well."

Men were further encouraged to speak out and seek support from trustworthy individuals such as elders, community leaders, or trained professionals.

Namibia is facing alarmingly high suicide rates, particularly among men, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness and prevention efforts.