mbulelo smpofu
Dr Rev Barbara Meck Silumbu (PhD)
SUICIDE is a growing concern worldwide, and Bulawayo is no exception with records saying the city has recorded 21 cases with 20 of those cases being of men.
The rising number of male suicide cases in Bulawayo is therefore a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from all stakeholders.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive approach to addressing this issue, involving all stakeholders from grassroots to Government levels, as well as professionals such as counsellors, psychiatrists and psychologists to mention but a few.
According to recent statistics, the number of male suicide cases in Bulawayo has been increasing at an alarming rate. This trend is attributed to various factors, including economic hardship, unemployment, relationship problems and mental health issues.
Families and communities play a vital role in preventing male suicide cases. Here are some ways they can contribute:
Encourage open communication: Families and communities should create a safe and supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable discussing their emotions and struggles.
Promote social connections: Social connections are essential for mental health. Families and communities can encourage social activities, such as sports, hobbies, or volunteering, to help individuals build and maintain social connections.
Support mental health: Families and communities can support mental health by encouraging individuals to seek professional help when a need for such arises. They can also help reduce stigma around mental illness by promoting awareness and understanding.
From a psychological pedestal where I stand, curbing the number of suicide cases in Bulawayo requires a multi-faceted approach and some of the strategies that can be implemented are:
Raise awareness and reduce stigma: Educate the community about mental health, suicide prevention, and the importance of seeking help. This can be done through workshops, campaigns and social media.
Improve mental health services: Ensure that mental health services are accessible, affordable, and of high quality. This includes training healthcare professionals to identify and manage mental health conditions.
Promote socio-emotional life skills: Teach adolescents and young adults essential life skills, such as problem-solving, coping and communication. This can help them navigate challenges and build resilience.
Encourage community engagement: Foster a sense of community and social connection among residents. This can be achieved through community events, support groups and volunteer opportunities.
Implement evidence-based interventions: Use proven strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), to support individuals at risk of suicide.
Collaborate with local authorities: Work with Local Government, schools and healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive suicide prevention plans.
Provide support for vulnerable groups: Identify and support groups that are disproportionately affected by suicide, such as youth and those with mental health conditions.
Monitor and evaluate progress: Regularly track and assess the effectiveness of suicide prevention efforts to identify areas for improvement.
By implementing these strategies, Bulawayo and the country at large can work towards reducing the number of suicide cases and promoting a culture of mental health and well-being.
Churches can provide spiritual guidance, counselling and support to individuals struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts. Church leaders can also help reduce the stigma around mental illness and encourage congregants to seek help.
Voluntary organisations can offer free or low-cost counselling services, support groups and hotlines for individuals in crisis. They can also advocate for mental health awareness and policy changes.
Council and Government can develop and implement policies and programs aimed at promoting mental health, reducing stigma and preventing suicide. They can also allocate resources for mental health services, awareness campaigns and research, as a Psychologist I came up with the following initiatives that can be implemented which include:
Establishing mental health support groups for men, where they can share their experiences and receive support from peers. Providing training for community leaders, healthcare professionals and law enforcement officers on mental health, stress management and suicide prevention.
Dr Rev Barbara Meck Silumbu (PhD) is a clinical psychologist. She can be contacted on +263774666795
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