Four years ago, while in college, Chikondi Msefula felt overwhelmed by anxiety and depression.
Her parents struggled to cover her educational expenses and as graduation approached, she feared she might have to withdraw after being removed from a scholarship programme run by an international organisation.
“The depression was overwhelming. I felt like I was screaming but no one could hear me,” Chikondi recalls.
She anxiously awaited the outcome of a loan application on which she had pinned her hopes.
One bright morning, she reached out to a friend who encouraged her to persevere, reminding her that even if the loan application failed, her future could still be bright.
“That small act of reaching out changed my perspective on life,” Chikondi says.
Unfortunately, her loan application was unsuccessful and she had to withdraw that year as her parents could not afford her tuition fees.
However, she was later fortunate to be considered for another bursary scheme, which enabled her to complete her studies.
Today, Chikondi is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness.
“I learned that sometimes it is just a matter of reaching out to someone. They may not provide financial support but they can offer hope,” she explains.
According to figures from the Malawi Police Service (MPS), the country has seen an increase in the number of suicide cases in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Records indicate that 276 people took their own lives this year, up from 220 in 2023.
The data further reveals that more men than women have died by suicide, with 240 males and 36 females this year, compared to 198 males and 22 females last year.
MPS spokesperson Harry Namwaza attributes this rise in suicides to factors such as debt, broken relationships, family conflicts and substance abuse among young people.
“We urge those facing mental health challenges to seek help as soon as possible. There is always a way out,” he says.
Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that over 720,000 people die by suicide each year.
WHO identifies suicide as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29, with 73 percent of global suicides occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Malawi.
In addition to those who take their own lives, WHO notes that many more people attempt suicide, with previous attempts being a significant risk factor.
“Suicide is a serious public health problem that requires a comprehensive response. With timely, evidence-based, and often low-cost interventions, suicides can be prevented,” the organisation states.
Mental health expert Chiwoza Bandawe points out that suicide is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors.
“The trend indicates a serious mental health crisis in the country. We must confront stigma and recognise that seeking help for mental health issues is not a sign of weakness,” Bandawe says.
He further calls for enhanced training of clinical psychologists to provide psychosocial support to those in need.
“We need to invest more in mental health professionals to ensure adequate support is available nationwide. Currently, we have only six psychiatrists for a population of 20 million.
“It is crucial to train more psychiatrists and ensure they are accessible in hospitals, schools and communities,” Bandawe emphasises.
Archbishop Mark Kambalazaza, Chairperson of the Evangelical Association of Malawi, urges people not to consider suicide as a solution.
From his perspective as a religious leader, he recounts that suicide is a sin before God and should never be an option.
“People are facing immense challenges that make life seem unbearable. However, suicide is not the answer. We must work together—government, churches and all stakeholders—to tackle this issue,” Kambalazaza states.
Experts agree that while suicide is often viewed solely as a mental health issue, it is a multifaceted problem requiring proper dissemination of information and resources for effective prevention.
Currently, Malawi has only one public mental health facility, Zomba Mental Hospital, with the remainder being private establishments, which are often inaccessible to those without disposable income.
During World Mental Health Day commemorations on October 10, Precious Makiyi, a mental health nursing officer at Blantyre District Health Office, emphasised the need for a supportive work environment to alleviate stress that can lead to depression.
“Stress and depression can result in mental health disorders that may drive individuals to consider suicide if adequate support systems are lacking,” Makiyi warns.
He stresses the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, explaining that mental health affects physical health and that there is no health without mental health.
Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daudi explains that even the healthiest employees can suffer physically and mentally in unhealthy work environments.
She notes that prioritising mental health in the workplace is essential for fostering a productive and supportive atmosphere.
“Many people experience mental health challenges at work yet receive little support,” Daudi says.
Daudi explains that when employers actively address mental well-being, it can lead to reduced stress, lower absenteeism and increased employee engagement.
The deputy minister further urges those going through tough times to seek help from anyone they feel comfortable with.
