Staff Reporter
SUICIDE is an enemy and a threat to national security, says Major General Petrus Nathinge, Deputy Executive Director for Strategy, Policy, Plans and Coordination in the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs.
Speaking during a Suicide Prevention Awareness and Mental Health Campaign held recently at Tobias Hainyeko Garrison, Nathinge urged military leaders to pay closer attention to personnel who become withdrawn, isolated or display unusual behaviour.
He called for greater openness, early intervention and stronger support systems for members experiencing emotional or psychological distress.
The Namibian Defence Force has stepped up efforts to prevent suicide and strengthen mental well-being as part of the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day, observed internationally under the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Start the Conversation”.
The campaign served as a platform to intensify awareness of suicide prevention and promote greater attention to the mental well-being of military personnel.
The session also addressed mental health conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder, with particular attention to the experiences of military and law-enforcement personnel who may be exposed to traumatic events.
Factors such as bereavement, trauma, abuse, prolonged stress and substance abuse were discussed as contributors to mental health challenges.
Nathinge commended men and women in uniform for their courage and commitment to serving the country despite personal challenges.
He stressed that leadership should extend beyond operational readiness and discipline to include the mental well-being of service members.
“We must be willing to ask questions. We must listen without immediately judging. And when necessary, we must ensure that the person is connected to appropriate professional assistance,” Nathinge said.
He also called on families of military personnel to play an active role in supporting soldiers and others exposed to the demands and pressures of the military environment.
During the event, it was made clear that suicide prevention requires more than awareness. It requires leaders, colleagues and families to recognise warning signs, listen without judgement and help people in distress connect with appropriate professional support.
Recent national figures reported by the Ministry of Health and Social Services indicate that 542 suicide cases and 2,937 suicide attempts were recorded in Namibia during 2023/24.
Photo: The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs
