By Nyarai Chuma
Every 10 September, the world pauses to remember the more than 720,000 lives lost to suicide each year and to renew a promise that no one should face despair alone. This year’s global theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, calls on all of us families, faith leaders, councillors, MPs, workplaces, schools and communities to replace silence and stigma with understanding, compassion and action.
Zimbabwe’s suicide numbers tell a painful story roughly 18 deaths per 100,000, according to a 2017 WHO-backed report (compared to 14.1 in 2019 data). But the real headline is who is dying men far outnumber women, and tragically, it’s young adults in their 20s who are most vulnerable. These aren’t just statistics, they are a desperate plea for early, compassionate help before it’s too late.
Behind these statistic is a story a son, a daughter, a parent, a friend who felt they had nowhere to turn. Too often, cultural beliefs, fear of gossip, or the misconception that “talking about it will make it worse” keep people from seeking help until it is too late. The truth is different talking saves lives.
Why Awareness Matters
Raising awareness does three critical things:
• It normalises help-seeking. When communities speak openly about mental health, people are more likely to reach out before reaching a breaking point.
• It challenges harmful myths. Suicide is not a sign of weakness, selfishness, or spiritual failure it is often the result of untreated pain, isolation, or overwhelming stress.
• It builds safer environments. Schools, churches, workplaces and families that know the warning signs can intervene early and connect people to care
In Zimbabwe, where faith and family are central to daily life, there is a unique opportunity to include mental health support into existing structures of care. Pastors, traditional leaders, councillors, MPs, teachers and employers can all play a role in creating spaces where people feel safe to say, “I’m not okay.”
Warning Signs to Watch For
Not everyone who struggles will speak directly about suicide, but many show signs that something is wrong. These may include:
• Withdrawing from family, friends or activities they once enjoyed
• Talking about feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden
• Giving away possessions or saying goodbye unexpectedly
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Sudden mood changes, especially calmness after a period of distress
If you notice these signs, ask directly “Are you thinking about hurting yourself?” Research shows that asking does not plant the idea it opens the door to support.
Where to Get Help in Zimbabwe
You are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out. The following services offer confidential support.
Emergency Contacts
• Emergency services: Dial 999 (all networks), 112 (Econet), or 114 (NetOne)
• Police: 995
• Nearest hospital emergency department
• Childline Zimbabwe (for children and youth, 24/7):
• Call 116 (toll-free)
• WhatsApp: +263 719 116 116 or +263 732 116 116
Samaritans Zimbabwe, +263 9 65000, 24 hours
• Friendship Bench (talking therapy by appointment
• National Helpline: 0808 4116 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm)
• Text “I need to talk…” to +263 784 845 294
• Samaritans Bulawayo (24/7 emotional support)
. Pamumvuri helpline 0771 611 311
On this World Suicide Prevention Day, let us commit to
1. Start the conversation at home, at work, in church, communities and online.
2. Listen without judgment sometimes the greatest gift we can give is our presence.
3. Share these helpline numbers save them in your phone
Suicide is preventable. But prevention begins with each of us choosing to care, to listen, and to act.
Nyarai is a mental health professional and trauma risk assessment practitioner with 17 years’ experience across clinical, community, forensic and workplace settings. Her committment is strongly in advancing suicide prevention, reducing stigma and strengthening mental health support in Zimbabwe and beyond.She writes in her personal capacity
