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.

Health and Social Services Minister Dr. Kalumbi Shangula says his ministry is ready to extend its services to those in need, as suicide statistics over the past year paint a grim picture of depression in Namibia.

The number of deaths by suicide and suicide attempts is on the rise.

Of the 623 cases recorded over the past year, including teens and minors, 82% are male.

Dr. Shangula says the rising suicide rate can, to a large extent, be explained by untreated mental health conditions.