Malawi's Silent Struggle: Battling Stress and Suicide
As for young men, there is a need for them to be checked over time if they show strange behaviours.
Lilongwe, Malawi - In a routine day that turned life-altering, Thomson found himself grappling with a cascade of emotions, writes Abednego Sibale.
The news that his 17-year-old sister had just gotten married left him stunned and bewildered.
As he pondered the events of the day, the weight of his academic challenges, family expectations, and the sweltering Malawian sun bore down on him.
Thomson, a student at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), had just received his grade point average (GPA) results for the last semester.
To his dismay, the results were far from what he had anticipated, with three incomplete courses overshadowing his otherwise successful academic record.
As he lay on his bed, overwhelmed by the mounting stress and disappointments, dark thoughts loomed.
"Why do I have to get these bad grades? Why are my mother and my relatives more concerned about my sister than me? Why am I not getting enough money for my school, but they can spend millions on my sister who now has disappointed them again? Do they even consider me as one of them?," Thomson asked himself.
Thomson's story serves as a stark reminder of the toll that stress can exact on individuals.
The unrelenting pressure from academic performance, familial obligations, and the unexpected twists of life can sometimes become too heavy to bear.
While Thomson did not resort to self-harm, many individuals are not as fortunate. Suicide rates in Malawi are on the rise, signalling a pressing issue that demands attention.
Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, National Police Relations Officer, said, "Our records indicate that 256 people have killed themselves in the first half of 2023 as compared to 135 who committed suicide during the similar period in 2022.”
Worryingly, more men are involved, with 226 male suicides compared to 30 female suicides during this period.
The figures underscore the importance of addressing this growing crisis.
Senior Superintendent Peter Kalaya, the National Police Relations Officer, attributes this surge to issues related to relationships, particularly marital problems.
Stress often serves as the breeding ground for deeper mental health issues, including depression, if left unmanaged.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as a state of mental tension caused by challenging situations, and its response differs among individuals.
Stress is an inevitable part of life, and how one responds to it can significantly impact well-being. In the case of students like Thomson, academic pressure can exacerbate stress levels. While managing stress can be challenging, it is not insurmountable.
We interviewed some young men and women to find out how they cope with stress.
Enias Chiziko: "I go to the gym and play some songs; that's how I deal with stress."
Christopher Sibale: "I like to listen to music and then take a walk, reflecting on how I can solve what has stressed me."
Prince Nyanyali: "I like going to play football, sleep, and listen to music."
Nebia Mwang’amba: "I talk with friends over it and take a walk."
Glory Simbeye: "I have friends whom I talk to about my issues and listen to music."
Comfort Kaisi: "I usually listen to music, and if it is not helping, I talk to my friends, who are also my best friends, and we share confidential things between us."
These responses show that individuals have unique ways of coping with stress, and it's important to encourage open discussions and provide support for those dealing with mental health challenges.
As for young men, there is a need for them to be checked over time if they show strange behaviours.
It's also important to encourage them to develop communication skills to talk about what is going on in their minds and what is worrying them.
By doing so, we can break the silence and build an environment that is less stressful, reducing the risk of suicide among young men in Malawi.