11 Sep 2023

Reducing stigma and fostering a supportive environment for individuals in crisis are key steps towards effective suicide prevention, head of counseling at Botswana Network for Mental Health, (BONMEH) Ms Keletso Simon said during suicide screening in Gaborone on Friday. 

“If you are or know someone struggling with suicidal thoughts, reach out to a mental health professional or crisis helpline for assistance” she said, all the while encouraging individuals to seek help for mental health concerns without fear of being judged. 

She said there was a rising number of suicide cases around the country, adding it was essential to approach suicide prevention with compassion, understanding and a commitment to saving lives. 

Suicide was not the solution, as almost everyone at some point in their lives faced challenges and there were bound to bounce back, she said, and encouraged those that were suicidal to focus on what kept them going such as physical exercise and hobbies but most importantly to seek professional counselling. 

Ms Simon emphasized the importance of early intervention, access to mental health care, support for those affected by suicide and addressing the underlying factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. 

She said some misconceptions about suicide included the thinking that the suicidal were attention seekers. 

That, she said, was among the most harmful misconceptions, as in reality those that expressed suicidal thoughts and behaviours were in distress and actually needed help. 

“It is crucial to take all indications of suicide seriously,” she said. She encouraged people to inform themselves about the state of mind of a suicidal person and the complexities of suicide and mental health, which would go a long way building empathy and encouraging open conversations about the subject. 

Moreover, she said while mental health professionals played a crucial role in suicide prevention, friends and family too provide valuable support saying a simple act of kindness, empathy and listening could make a difference. 

She encouraged families to open up and regularly to talk to each other, so that they may be able to know when a member was going through a rough phase. 

The suicide screening outreach day was intended to promote awareness about suicide and mental health issues to reduce stigma and encourage open discussions, in an effort to prevent suicide. 

BONMEH provided suicide screening, education on suicide prevention, mindfulness and coping skills, as well as anxiety, stress and depression screening, referrals and counselling support as per results to all and sundry at Gaborone Main mall. ends