Tag: suicide

How Media and Journalists Indirectly Promote Suicide

Michael Gwarisa

MEDIA play a critical role in society and without them, the world would suffer from information deficiency. The four functions of media are to inform, persuade, transmit culture, and entertain. It requires only responsible media to have that hazard perception skill or that fifth sense that tells them beforehand the implications their message could have on individuals and society and large. By Michael Gwarisa In the wrong hands, media can be dangerous and lethal, hence the old adage, “The pen is mightier than the sword.” Media reportage of mental health…

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Exploring Depression and Mental Health In The Arts Sector

Michael Gwarisa

Information presented in this article may be triggering to some people. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please contact The Friendship Bench on +263 78 484 5294, S.A.L.T Africa, +263 773 107 7781, For Youths By Youths, Harare & Mash West 263775462468 +263773238941, Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre +263273790238 HAVE you ever come across artwork or literature of the sad clown? The sad clown is one of the most well-known paintings out there and is a paradox that tries to bring out the hidden emotional trauma and sadness that is associated with…

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S.A.L.T Africa Takes Suicide Prevention Campaign To Tertiary Institutions

Patricia Mashiri

IN an initiative meant to reduce the number of suicides which have of late been on the increase in tertiary institutions, Someone Always Listens Toyou (S.A.L.T AFRICA), has embarked on nationwide campaign on suicide prevention in institutions of higher learning. By Patricia Mashiri Suicides cases in tertiary institutions have been on the rise with the most recent one being the case of  a Harare polytechnic student committed suicide after his girlfriend of four years reportedly eloped to another man. Speaking at the suicide awareness campaign held at Harare Polytechnic Tapiwa…

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Rise In Suicides Among Zim Male Tertiary Students Exposes Need for Peer-to-Peer Counseling in Zim Universities and Colleges

Michael Gwarisa

AS the world marks Suicide prevention Month this September, a rather disturbing trend has reared its ugly head in Zimbabwe. Within a space four weeks, two local tertiary male students have committed suicide over matters of the heart. It’s possible that there could be more other male students struggling with mental health issues right now and probably contemplating the worst and without proper mechanisms and interventions in place, more lives could be lost. By Michael Gwarisa Suicide is preventable but why is it that we continue losing lives to this…

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Despite Testing Positive For HIV, Surviving Sexual Abuse @17 and Attempting Suicide, Thelma Emerges A Victor

NewsRoom

CATHERINE Murombedzi has known Thelma for three years. A youth in the Pan African Positive Women’s Coalition- Zimbabwe, (PAPWC-ZIM) and the Zimbabwe Women living with HIV National Forum (ZWLHNF), Thelma is unpredictable and can be happy this moment and withdrawn thereafter. Thelma avoids crowds and noise, usually taking a lone seat during tea breaks. By Catherine Murombedzi, Health Correspondent Unlike youths her age, she is more on the mature side and is selective, very selective when most people are happy to have a full plate of everything when buffet is…

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#BREAKING: Zim Sitting On A Post COVID-19 Mental Health Time Bomb

Michael Gwarisa
DEPRESSED AFRICAN LADY (pic by Huffington post)

MENTAL health expert and Psychologist, Dr Kudakwashe Muchena has warned of a serious mental health crisis post the COVID-19 induced lockdown at the back of economic and social uncertainties that have been brought about by the prevailing COVID-19 health crisis. By Michael Gwarisa In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr Muchena said Zimbabwe had already been experiencing high suicide and mental health cases before the COVID-19 struck and the prevailing health crisis would likely worsen an already fragile mental health environment. We are sitting on a time-bomb, whilst all the focus…

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#Exclusive-Male Suicide Cases Skyrocket In Zim: ZRP

Kuda Pembere

MALE suicide cases in Zimbabwe have been on the rise between 2015 and 2019 compared to females, HealthTimes has learnt By Kudakwashe Pembere Over the past five years, the trend has been showing that males were dying more by suicide contrasting with women.With males being more reserved in handling socio-economic issues threatening their mental ability to cope with such, females on the other hand are seen to be more open in seeking help. Speaking with the Zimbabwe Republic Police National Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi on Wednesday, he said their…

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Five Time Suicide Survivor Speaks Out

Kuda Pembere

DEPRESSION knows no boundary. Neither does it respect religion, social status, race, color, or even looks. By Kudakwashe Pembere It is no secret that  Mrs Ellen Maponga (35) a Zimbabwean woman based in South Africa is a dazzling beauty. Her sparkling glassy grey eyes and slim figure could easily deceive one into thinking that the World Mental Health Day commemorations which she was also a part of in Harare was a beauty pageant. Besides just being a beauty, Ellen stands out as one of the few individuals who have successfully …

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One Person Commits Suicide Every 40 Seconds: WHO

Healthtimes

THE number of countries with national suicide prevention strategies has increased in the five years since the publication of WHO’s first global report on suicide, said the World Health Organization in the lead-up to World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September. BY HealthTimes Reporter But the total number of countries with strategies, at just 38, is still far too few and governments need to commit to establishing them. “Despite progress, one person still dies every 40 seconds from suicide,” said WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Every death is a…

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#BREAKING: Suicide Cases Reach Alarming Rates In Zim

Kuda Pembere

A total of 129 suicide cases were recorded between the months of January and March 2019 in Zimbabwe, compared to 91 reported in the same period last year, showing a 42% increase, a Zimbabwe Republic Police official has said. By Kudakwashe Pembere ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi exclusively told HealthTimes on Friday that the majority of these cases were in the form of hanging. In January 2018 to March 2018, the Zimbabwe Republic Police recorded a total of 94 suicide cases and out of these suicide cases, 74 were…

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