Africa-Press – Botswana. Men have been implored to seek psychosocial support instead of resorting to committing suicide when burdened.
Speaking at the International Men’s Day commemoration themed ‘Zero male suicide’ in Kazungula on November 17, Pastor John Mmongwa said bottling up issues had resulted in men carrying emotional burdens, which became a serious problem if not addressed. He said the day was dedicated to men to create a platform to raise awareness and discuss tribulations that men go through silently around the globe.
“This day creates a safe space for men to pour their hearts out, build, encourage one another and come up with solutions to eliminate the scourge that is male suicide.”
Pastor Mmongwa said this year’s theme called men to introspect and address the root cause that drove them to committing suicide.
He said suicide was very common in men aged below 45 worldwide, adding that Botswana was one of the countries with the highest suicide rates in Southern Africa.
Pastor Mmongwa noted that men should normalise talking to one another, especially their friends, about their feelings.
He however advised other men to desist from giving one another negative advice that causes more harm than good. Also, he urged men to seek help from social workers, counsellors, therapists and pastors in their communities. He called upon men to be role models to their children, especially the boy child so that they would emulate their behavior and become good fathers in future. Giving a talk on mental health and male suicide, Kasane Hospital Psychiatric nurse Ms Bontle Mothibedi stated that mental health and suicide were correlated as one had to be triggered mentally to resort to suicide.
She stated that men experienced emotions but the society had stigmatised those who talked about their feelings, which then discouraged them to seek help.
“Normalise crying and verbalising your feelings as men because it helps relieve the pain and burdens you carry emotionally and society also needs to stop judging men for crying.” She said.
Ms Mothibedi said it was uncommon for women to commit suicide because they addressed their emotions through talking, venting, crying and counselling.
She said zero suicide could be achieved by resetting the minds to do things differently and introspecting to address the root cause of suicide.
Ms Motsamai indicated that in Botswana, most suicides were committed because of a relationship ending, hence urged men to accept and move on after a relationship ends.
Kazungula Kgosi Morgan Makhanga said the day served as a celebration for men to see how far they had come and areas to improve so that they created a conducive environment for their loved ones.
He said it was imperative for men to take the lead on such days in order to discuss and learn the significance of a man in a society.
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