Zambia: Solwezi district Psychiatric and Therapy Clinician Chongo Chanda has expressed concern over the increasing number of suicide cases in the provincial capital. The mental health practitioner shared her concerns about the lack of focus on the mental health of youngsters
Solwezi District Psychiatry and Therapy Clinician Chanda said the institution is alarmed by the increase in para-suicide and suicide cases.
“Suicidal thoughts are predominant among youths, as some of the findings from those counselled are family issues among them feeling rejected, unacceptance and also low self-esteem.
The issue is one of the most neglected and crucial aspects of the overall well-being of a person, especially among the youngsters of the nation.
As an expert in the field, Chanda talked about the various reasons that he believes may contribute to the remarkable rise in the incidents.
“Some of them…… it is because someone says you are ugly, and they feel unwanted…. others feel their families have neglected them…. some it is because of school…. those are some of the causes,” Clinician Chongo Chanda said.
Chanda added that due to the escalating number of cases the institution has decided to embark on massive sensitisation programmes in schools, markets and also on radio. The district healthcare stakeholders will take the initiative of encouraging conversation about mental health.
It is important for the young generation of Zambia to open up and talk about issues like low self-esteem and depression. The youngsters of the country must have the platform and opportunity to explore their emotions.
“We have come up with an open-door policy, people are free to come for counselling at the institution at any given time,” Chongo Chanda said.
The Psychiatrist appealed to members of the public to pay particular attention to any symptoms of depression or un-attended grief.
“My hope is that people should find time to open up about any mental health issues, they need to confide in someone,” Clinician Chongo Chanda said.