18/09/2026
SEPTEMBER IS SU***DE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH DEDICATED TO SHARING RESOURCES,RAISING AWARENESS AND BREAKING THE STIGMA SURROUNDING MENTAL HEALTH. Zambia Daily Mail
Alcohol abuse a symptom of su***de
THE Counseling Association of Zambia (CAZ) has disclosed that increased intake of alcohol or other substances is among many signs that someone maybe suicidal.
CAZ executive director Simataa Soonga said another sign includes constantly talking about death, hopelessness, or being a burden.
"Su***de is often preceded by clear signs. We must pay attention when someone:
talks about death, hopelessness, or being a burden; withdraws from family, friends, and responsibilities; experiences sudden and drastic mood changes," Dr Soonga said.
He added that giving away valued possessions and saying goodbye or "making final arrangements" include other signs.
Dr Soonga, said, however, that one sign alone may not mean danger, but several signs together require immediate attention.
He notes that su***de is a preventable tragedy, but bemoans that in Zambia and across the world, families continue to bury loved ones whose emotional pain was carried in silence.
"It is important that we, as a society, understand what leads a person to consider su***de. People do not die by su***de because they are weak. They do so when they feel hopeless, trapped, and convinced that there is no way out.
"Financial pressure, unemployment, relationship breakdown, grief, chronic illness, and untreated mental health conditions can all contribute to this state of despair," Dr Soonga said.
September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month dedicated to sharing resources, raising awareness, and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
CHOMBA MUSIKA/ZAMBIA DAILY MAIL
