Behind the statistics: The growing toll of depression & suicide in Zim

** Cuthbert Mavheko [email protected]**

SUICIDE continues to be a major public health concern in Zimbabwe and across the world.

According to various reports, it is the second leading cause of death among people aged between 15 and 29 years. In Zimbabwe, suicide accounts for about 1.8 percent of all deaths, with men being more likely to take their own lives than women.

A 2020 report by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) showed that between 2015 and 2019, a total of 2 058 men and 505 women died by suicide. The Progressive Teachers’ union of Zimbabwe has also reported that the country loses about 30 teachers and six students to suicide each year.

These statistics raise an important question: Why do people take their own lives?

Mental health experts have identified depression as one of the leading factors behind many suicide cases. Depression is more than just sadness. It is a serious mental health condition that can leave people feeling overwhelmed, hopeless and unable to cope with life’s challenges.

One psychoanalyst explained the connection between depression and suicide.

“Severe financial hardships, poverty, joblessness and drug and alcohol abuse cause depression, a mental health disorder, which has run like a heavy dark thread throughout the fabric of human history. Men and women all over the world have suffered periods of dark emotions that shrouded their lives in feelings of utter despair, hopelessness and helplessness.

“Mental depression is one of humanity’s most common illnesses, taking a tremendous toll on marriages, productivity, human growth and happiness. Mental depression knows no class barriers.

It afflicts both rich and poor people. And although it rises abruptly in incidence with adolescent years, it is also becoming a growing problem in younger children, leading to increasingly more youthful suicides.

“Most depressed feelings begin in response to a specific loss, fear of loss or if there seems to be no way of retrieving what has been lost. The depressive cycle leads to collapse of self-worth, then to self-depreciation, then to a feeling that the situation is hopeless. Hopeless attitudes produce changes in responses of the mind and body, which begin to immobilise a person. These feelings can be coupled with a total loss of self-esteem, unremitting guilt, shame and eventually suicide.”

Life presents people with many difficult experiences. The birth of a child with a disability, the loss of employment, the breakdown of a marriage, financial hardship or the death of a loved one can leave deep emotional scars. While many people are able to cope with setbacks, others struggle to recover from painful disappointments and may feel trapped in despair.

People respond to hardship in different ways. Some try to escape reality through excessive entertainment, alcohol or drugs. While these may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root causes of emotional pain. Finding healthy ways to confront problems and seek support is often essential for recovery.

The reality is that life is filled with challenges, uncertainties and disappointments. Yet many people find strength in understanding that difficulties need not define or destroy them. Challenges can sometimes become opportunities for personal growth, resilience and deeper understanding of life’s meaning.

From a Christian perspective, the Bible teaches that human life was created by God and has purpose and value. While mental health struggles, anxiety and depression can be overwhelming, believers are encouraged to view them not as permanent barriers but as obstacles that can be overcome through faith, perseverance and spiritual support.

Those who embrace this belief argue that understanding God’s purpose for human life can help people develop hope in the midst of adversity. Rather than seeing difficulties as evidence of defeat, they view them as challenges that can strengthen character and deepen faith.

In concluding, it is worth noting that Zimbabwe’s Constitution acknowledges the role of faith in the lives of many citizens. The Constitution’s preamble states:

“We the people of Zimbabwe acknowledge the supremacy of Almighty God, in whose hands our future lies.”

Life does not always unfold according to our plans. Unexpected setbacks, losses and

disappointments are part of the human experience. However, many church leaders believe that people can face these challenges with greater confidence and peace of mind by developing a closer relationship with God.

They argue that the teachings of the Holy Bible provide guidance for navigating difficult circumstances and making positive choices. Individuals are encouraged to reflect on their conduct, values and way of life, and to make changes where necessary in line with biblical teachings.

Ultimately, faith leaders emphasise that human beings were created by God and therefore need Him in every season of life, both in times of joy and in times of hardship. They believe that a strong relationship with one’s Creator provides hope, direction and strength when facing anxiety, depression and life’s many challenges.

As cases of suicide and depression continue to affect families and communities, the conversation around mental health remains more important than ever. Alongside professional support, counselling and community care, many people continue to draw comfort, hope and resilience from their faith as they navigate life’s difficulties.

*Cuthbert Mavheko is a freelance journalist and theologian. He can be contacted on 0773963448/0775522095 or email [email protected]