11 Sep 2019

There is need to sensitise the public on the causes of suicide and what could be done to prevent it.

Speaking during the international suicide prevention day on TSeptember 10, Sbrana Hospital Superintendent Dr Seddie Alibusa the psychiatric hospital recorded 64 suicide attempts between 2017 and 2019.

He said some of the major types of mental disorders like depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia increased the risk of suicidal behaviour, indicating that death through suicide was also more common among those who had experienced stressful life events.

Dr Alibusa said contributors to the development of suicidal thoughts included the belief that one must always meet the expectations of others, adding that the way men were brought up and the roles the society expected of them also contributed.

On other issues, he said the Sbrana hospital’s vision was to help reduce the number of people who die of suicide each year.

“Mental health treatment and awareness efforts also need to provide information on the various options,” he said.

Officer Commanding Police District Number 4 in Lobatse, Senior Superintendent Paul Molapisi also said preventative measures such as support by the communities would help prevent suicide.

Supt. Molapisi said the greatest challenge in dealing with suicide cases was lack of support by some families and communities, adding that reducing stigma and talking openly about it were some of the key methods  to prevention.

One of the survivors of depression, Ms Kemmonye Ngaka indicated that she experienced suicidal thoughts after losing her brother and living far from the family.

She indicated that she had suicidal thoughts while studying in the United Kingdom, but through the interaction with the community and accepting that she needed help, she managed to pull through.

Ms Ngaka advised those going through depression to put their trust in God, follow their doctors’ orders, eat well, exercise and have a support structure. ENDS