Kelvin Voen, founder of We Hold A Hand, has highlighted the alarming rise in suicide rates across Africa, stressing the urgent need for action to address the root causes of these suicides and prioritize mental health and well-being.
His remarks, in a recent interview on Newscentral TV, came during the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, where he expressed deep concern over the increasing number of suicide cases and the lack of sufficient attention to the issue in Africa.
He underscored the profound impact of financial crises on mental health, often pushing individuals into depression and, in severe cases, leading to suicide. He emphasized the critical role of early intervention, pointing out that suicidal thoughts typically develop over time.
Voen also expressed deep concern over the increasing suicide rates among young people, attributing this alarming trend to a combination of factors such as social media pressures, academic stress, and challenges related to identity formation. He urged young people to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues proactively to safeguard mental health.
He also outlined several key strategies for preventing suicide. Identifying individuals at risk through changes in behavior and emotional cues is crucial, he pointed out. Creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their struggles is equally important, he equally noted.
Voen stressed the need to address broader societal issues that contribute to mental health problems, such as unemployment, crime, and relationship difficulties. By addressing these underlying factors, we can create a more mentally resilient society, he stressed.
