University of Botswana Joins Rest of the World to Observe World Suicide Prevention Day
Today, the University of Botswana (UB) Department of Health Services joined the global community in observing World Suicide Prevention Day, commemorated annually on the 10th of September. The event, held at the UB Student Foyer, was aimed at raising awareness within the University Community about the preventability of suicide. It also highlighted global efforts and actions taken to reduce the incidence of suicide in line with the broader UB Mental Health Campaign.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29. It can be triggered by a range of factors, including chronic illnesses, financial difficulties, loss of income, marital separation and negative life experiences. Mental health issues such as alcoholism, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional stress have also been closely linked to an increased risk of suicide.
The commemoration underscored the importance of mental health awareness and provided a platform for the UB community to engage in dialogue, seek support and participate in preventive efforts aimed at addressing this critical issue.