If you’ve ever found yourself in a place of isolation, faithlessness, and hopelessness, we want you to know: YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
The battle with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the heavy burden of suicidal ideation IS REAL, and you don’t have to tackle it on your own.
In 2019, the official reported suicide mortality rate in Tanzania was 4.3. That translates to 2,898 lives lost to suicide. But these are only the reported cases, others may have been covered up due to the stigma of suicide. These numbers don’t even account for the countless Tanzanians who are currently wrestling with these thoughts.
In 2021, research revealed a stark rise in suicide rates in Tanzania, with the highest mortality rates occurring among those aged 15 to 29. So, trust us when we say, you are not alone in your battle with these dark thoughts, whether you’ve grappled with them before or are facing them right now.
Let’s confront shame. Our Tanzanian culture is deeply rooted in communal bonds, and often when someone is in need of mental health support they refrain from seeking help because they fear “kuaibisha familia” – they don’t want to bring shame to the family or associates. Therefore they remain silent, allowing shame to take root in their psyche. This silence and shame only serve to isolate them further, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
They refrain from seeking help because they fear “kuaibisha familia” – they don’t want to bring shame to the family or associates. Therefore they remain silent, allowing shame to take root in their psyche. This silence and shame only serve to isolate them further, perpetuating a vicious cycle.
Today, we want to tell you that you should not be ashamed. Suicidal thoughts and the heavy weight of depression often stem from challenges beyond our control. THEY DO NOT DEFINE YOUR WORTH OR CHARACTER. Remember, we are all battling secret struggles that many do not see.
You should not be ashamed, suicidal thoughts and the heavy weight of depression often stem from challenges beyond our control. SUICIDAL THOUGHTS & DEPRESSION DO NOT DEFINE YOUR WORTH OR CHARACTER. Remember, we are all battling secret struggles that many do not know.
If you’re facing suicidal thoughts or deep depression seek professional help and tell someone. You deserve support and are 100% capable of doing the inner work towards living a brighter life. We haven’t given up on you- so don’t give up on yourself either!
HOW TO SUPPORT A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
- Listen without judgment. Believe them and create a safe haven for them to pour out their feelings without fear of criticism.
- Encourage them to seek professional help.
- Stay connected and check in on them occasionally.
- Educate yourself about depression and suicide so you can engage in informed conversations.
- Practice patience. Recovery from depression takes time, and throughout the process of supporting a loved one through their depression we can often feel helpless. Yes, there may be setbacks and that’s a reality of life, but don’t give up on them. Continue offering your unwavering support and understanding throughout their journey.
You can provide support, you cannot “fix” their depression. Encourage them to seek professional help because while your support is invaluable a mental health professional possess the expertise, tools, and resources to guide the healing process in ways that you may not have at your disposal.
Remember, while you can provide support, you cannot “fix” their depression. Encourage them to seek professional help because while your support is invaluable a mental health professional possess the expertise, tools, and resources to guide the healing process in ways that you may not have at your disposal. This way, you can ensure that your loved one receives the necessary care without feeling overwhelmed or burdened by their struggles.
Please take a moment to share this article with anyone who comes to mind, and let’s start a healthy dialogue about suicide prevention and confront the shame surrounding it. Together, we can shed light on the path towards healing and hope.
Love,
Gazzetea
#SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthInTanzania
