Staff Reporter<\/p>\n\n\n\n
NAMIBIA\u2019S mental health and suicide prevention efforts continue to focus on breaking the stigma around mental health, encouraging people to seek help and strengthening access to care, as the country marks National Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Observed from 10 September to 10 October 2026, the campaign, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Namibia, is calling for greater openness around mental health and suicide, with this year\u2019s global themes focusing on changing the narrative on suicide and ensuring that people with lived experiences are heard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign encourages people to start conversations about mental health, listen without judgement, reach out to those who may be struggling and involve people with lived experience in shaping mental health policies, services and support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WHO Namibia emphasises that mental health affects individuals, families and communities, while suicide remains a preventable outcome of mental health distress. Dr Richard Banda said mental illness is common and that suicide continues to be a serious concern, particularly in the African region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said Namibia continues to record one of the highest suicide rates in the region, with each statistic representing a person whose death affects families and communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSuicide is preventable, but it requires a coordinated approach,\u201d Banda said, urging people experiencing emotional distress to make use of available counselling services, social workers, helplines and community support platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also highlighted progress made through the Ministry of Health and Social Services in integrating mental health services into primary healthcare, conducting awareness campaigns and working to reduce stigma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Miss Cosmo Namibia Cassia Sharpley, speaking as a WHO champion, called for a change in how society discusses suicide and mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said conversations should move away from silence and shame towards compassion, connection and support, while encouraging people to check on friends who may be struggling or have withdrawn from others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSeeking help for your mental health is the most profound investment you can make in your own sustainable beauty,\u201d Sharpley said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said hope should be treated as an active commitment, with individuals encouraged to reach out and remind others of their value and that they are not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Individuals experiencing mental distress, including thoughts of self-harm, are encouraged to seek help. Free and confidential support is available by calling 116 or 106, primary crisis hotlines that operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign comes as Namibia moves towards strengthening its legal framework for mental healthcare. The National Council recently passed the Mental Health Bill No. 8 of 2025 without amendments, bringing the country closer to replacing the Mental Health Act of 1973.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bill provides for an updated legal framework for mental healthcare and the protection of the rights of people with mental health conditions, including expanded community-based services and stronger patient rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Council confirmed the Bill at the conclusion of its Second Ordinary Session of the Seventh National Council on 28 August 2026, after which it is to be referred to the President for consideration under Articles 56 and 64 of the Namibian Constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign calls on Namibians to continue the conversation beyond the awareness month, with WHO Namibia stressing that everyone deserves dignity, connection and access to care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The campaign’s message is that mental health is a shared responsibility and that changing the narrative begins with listening, compassion and action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Staff Reporter NAMIBIA\u2019S mental health and suicide prevention efforts continue to focus on breaking the stigma around mental health, encouraging people to seek help and strengthening access to care, as the country marks National Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention Month. Observed from 10 September to 10 October 2026, the campaign, supported by the World …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":400810,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-400809","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n