Times Of Swaziland: SUICIDE NUMBERS HIGH, MENTAL HEALTH IS REAL

SUICIDE NUMBERS HIGH, MENTAL HEALTH IS REAL
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Alex Nxumalo on 24/11/2024 06:58:00


“To anyone out there who’s hurting — it’s not a sign of weakness to ask
for help. It’s a sign of strength.” ― Barack Obama, former President of
the USA.
This article serves a dual purpose: Firstly, to honour the late Zakhona Sibandze
- who reportedly took her own life - and to mourn her untimely death. Sibandze
was, without a doubt, a remarkably courageous liSwati woman and teacher who
challenged all odds to express her emotions during the recent Sibaya dialogue
forum, despite the intimidating atmosphere surrounding her at the time.
The other objective of this article is to implore (and inspire) my fellow
compatriots in the country to recognise the signs that may lead to those we know
contemplating suicide. This is crucial, because awareness can be the first step
towards intervention. Although the task may seem daunting, taking action is
imperative. Recent media reports suggest the late Sibandze took her own life
after reportedly ingesting a deadly poisonous substance. The circumstances that
led her to opt for taking her own life are obscure at the moment. But, I have
the proclivity to believe that those closest to her were possibly aware of the
reasons.
Briefly, before I proceed, let me shed some light about what I know about the
late Sibandze and the circumstances that led her to being so famous. I never met
her in my life, but the little I gleaned about her character (and what possibly
led to her deciding to take her own life), is both motivating and sad at the
same time, respectively.
Statements
The late Sibandze, a schoolteacher, garnered nationwide attention due to her
remarkably poignant, albeit peculiar, statements during the most recent Sibaya
dialogue forum. Media reports indicate that she visited a local general dealer
shop, where she encountered individuals within the establishment and purportedly
conveyed to them that they were witnessing her for the final time.Other online
outlets have claimed that she expressed to those presumably closest to her, the
phrase ‘sewudziniwe’, which seems to imply her profound weariness with life.
Sources have further alleged that she procured a toxic substance in pill form;
upon her arrival at the shop, it was reported that the individuals present could
detect a potent odour emanating from her, suggesting that she had already
consumed the lethal substance.
However, the veracity of these accounts remains questionable or unconfirmed.
Although the details are unsettling, they reflect the complexity of human
emotions and actions in the face of despair.
Sadly, Sibandze is no more...
In her discursive contributions at the Sibaya (a traditional gathering), she
commenced by delineating her identity, her chief and acknowledging the
associated dignitaries. Subsequently, she articulated the now renowned phrase:
‘Seyisukile’ Wena Wa Phakathi... Nayo-ke le ncangancanga..” Furthermore,
she proceeded to critique the nation’s leadership, alluding to implications
that I am unable to reiterate. What also rendered her a figure of considerable
nationwide discussions were the insinuations she made regarding her parents’
intimate life. This not only elicited amusement among a faction of the Sibaya
audience; however, it also incited uproar from another contingent that demanded
her expulsion from the podium. To this day, she persists as a popular, yet
contentious individual.
She was subjected to ridicule and mockery by certain individuals due to her
submissions, thereby losing sight of the possibility that she might have been
grappling with mental health issues. She evidently also had more in store to
articulate as her submissions concerning what and how she felt about the
socio-political environment in the country. In her purportedly compromised
mental state, it was clear that she definitely required assistance. Was she
afforded any support in subsequent times? This represents the pivotal and
million-dollar enquiry.
For those of us perceptive enough, despite the dubious nature of her mental
state, she presented herself as an exceedingly astute woman with substantial
insights regarding pressing issues - particularly those of a political
dimension—affecting the nation. Regrettably, she was never able to articulate
her perspectives, as she was unceremoniously ejected from the podium and the
venue.
The tragic demise of Sibandze highlights the urgent necessity for open discourse
concerning mental health challenges and the myriad factors contributing to the
profound despair that numerous individuals in Eswatini encounter.  My profound
concern is that Sibandze, although she appeared to be a vibrant and intelligent
woman, was clearly not at her optimal mental health. Part of her submissions,
albeit brief, contained an element of substance. She undoubtedly had more to
convey, even though the surrounding environment was intimidating.
No one anticipated that she would articulate the peculiar phrases pertaining to
her parents’ intimate status. This, in itself, served as an indicator that her
mental well-being was compromised.
Sadly, she was subjected to the prevailing, abhorrent Swati tendency to
condescend towards individuals grappling with mental health disorders. The
disadvantaged, including the vulnerable and those unable to provide for
themselves—whether due to unemployment or a challenging familial
backdrop—often face such disdain. However, this raises critical questions
about societal attitudes towards mental health and the support systems in place
for those in need. Although the circumstances are disheartening, the
conversation must continue. Questions arise: Was a follow-up made on how
Sibandze was coping with her challenges regarding her mental health? Did the
community she was living in bother itself to protect, nurture and see to it that
Sibandze would not one day decide she was tired of living a harsh life and opted
for taking her own life?
The mere fact that she bid farewell to people she knew is an indicator that
whatever help she sought she probably did not receive. She then made the
decision to take the easy way out. She succeeded. She’s gone, and is now a
mere statistic in the growing number of suicides in a country that gives little
regard for people with mental health issues. Sibandze was obviously a brilliant
woman who had so much potential and who could have contributed to the
development of her community and the country through the education of our
children, had she been given the necessary care, treatment and love all of us
deserve as human beings.
I reiterate she is..no more.
In the wake of this tragic loss, it is essential (imperative, if you will) that
we unite as a community to confront the urgent issue of mental health
-particularly the distressing rates of suicide and depression that have
intensified due to the difficult circumstances we currently endure as a nation.
Coping with life, specifically in the rural expanse is, at present, an arduous
endeavour. If enduring solutions are not identified to mitigate this alarming
trend in suicides, brace yourself for the most dire consequences.  Occasionally,
we encounter reports in the nation’s media that highlight profoundly
disturbing incidents of suicide, particularly among students in tertiary
institutions; however, there has also been an unsettling increase in suicides
among members of law enforcement agencies as well.
The dire state of mental health in the country has drawn attention to the
complex web of socio-economic challenges that many citizens face daily. As the
shadows of despair loom large, it is essential for society to recognise both the
symptoms and the underlying causes of this tragic phenomenon.
Opportunities
Unemployment stands as one of the most significant contributors to the rising
suicide rates. With limited job opportunities and a high level of competition
for available positions, many citizens find themselves stuck in cycles of
poverty. Reports indicate that the job market is rife with corruption where
nepotism reigns supreme, leading to despair among those who strive for
employment based on merit. This situation is especially dire for young graduates
who, after investing years in their education, struggle to find gainful
employment. The feeling of hopelessness can drive individuals to consider
drastic measures, as they see no way out of their economic predicament.
From the scant information I have managed to compile, it is evident that the
existence of tertiary students is fraught with heartbreak. The protracted delays
in the disbursement of student allowances wreak havoc on many individuals; this
is especially distressing for those residing off-campus. They are burdened with
rental expenses, utility bills and the necessity of sustenance—the list is
interminable. It defies comprehension why the administration of the country
invariably grapples with complications when it comes time to distributing
students’ allowances. For some, these challenges become insurmountable and the
only recourse appears to be the tragic decision to end their own lives. The
nagging question is: Is it plausible to deduce that for some sinister or
ulterior reasons, the administration is deliberately frustrating the students?
The daily struggles of life, exacerbated by economic difficulties, social unrest
and the lingering repercussions of the recent global pandemic (COVID-19), have
imposed a significant burden on the mental well-being of countless individuals
in the country. It is crucial that we remain vigilant in identifying the signs
of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, which often go unnoticed until it is too
late. This article seeks to inspire the people of Eswatini to cultivate an
atmosphere of openness and support, allowing individuals to share their
challenges without the fear of stigma or judgment.
It is truly disheartening to note that there is a general perception among
emaSwati to ridicule and consider those who take their own lives as weaklings or
failures. Let us refrain from placing blame on those who decide to take their
own lives. EmaSwati are under a lot of stress, due to a diverse number of
emotional problems. We need to address this phenomenon by investigating its
causes and find lasting solutions to the escalating number of suicides in the
country.
If you see someone enduring profound suffering, please try your best within
reasonable means to extend your assistance if and where possible; your
intervention could potentially save a life. It is essential to leave the
judgement of those who decide to take their own lives to a Higher Power (God),
particularly for those who struggle to make a decent living. I may not know what
went wrong with Sibandze emotionally which caused her to decided to take her own
life...but her alleged last words, “Sengidziniwe” trigger a concern:  Many
of our compatriots are going through a lot. Some may survive ..for others like
Sibandze, living a life of insurmountable personal challenges is just too much.
Let’s be vigilant and recognise the emotional problems our family members,
friends, students, etc., might be going through. Let us intervene timeously
before more precious lives are lost.
In our joint effort to provide emotional support, it is essential that we
consolidate our initiatives—whether through community programmes, peer support
networks or simply by being available for one another in times of need. By
fostering a culture grounded in empathy and understanding, we can help
individuals facing mental health issues to feel less alone and more empowered to
seek the help they need. This mission, however, requires a collective dedication
to change, as only through collaboration can we create a safer and more
supportive environment. Moreover, it is crucial to advocate for the improvement
of mental health resources and services within our communities, particularly in
areas affected by poverty.
This effort includes raising awareness, training educators, bagcugcuteli,
religious leaders, community leaders etc.,to identify signs of mental distress,
and ensuring that mental health services are accessible to everyone - especially
in rural regions where resources may be scarce. While the obstacles we face are
considerable, our determination must remain unwavering, as the health of our
communities relies on it. Suicide indzaba yetfu sonkhe. Nawe dlala indzima
yakakho.
Peace! Shalom!
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