More youths committing suicide—study

 Young people dominate the number of suicide cases in the country, a recent study has shown.

According to the study done by St John of God Hospitaller Services director of services Charles Masulani Mwale and researcher Chitsanzo Mafuta, the socio-demographic factors mostly associated with suicide show that 80 percent of the cases were made up of individuals aged between 21 and 30.

Data shows that the rate has increased by 57 percent since 2019, which translates to one suicide every 24/30 days.

Of the cases, 92 percent are male and eight percent females.

The study also showed that suicide is particularly common among males aged between 15 and 29.

In an interview yesterday, mental health expert Dr Precious Makiyi stated that the 21 to 30 bracket is a risky age as individuals are transitioning into adulthood.

He said: “Due to this, the majority of this age group faces career conflicts and economic challenges which highly contribute to depression and anxiety, among other issues.”

Makiyi said youths are also facing societal pressure, particularly in having and maintaining romantic relationships.

He said this has led to a surge in suicide cases linked with mental anguish due to relationship breakups.

This week, an 18-year-old female University of Malawi student took her life due to personal challenges.

According to the World Health Organisation over 800 000 people commit suicide every year, translating to one suicide every 40 seconds.

Malawi Police Service data show that in 2019, the country registered 116 suicides in 2020 and the cases increased to 182. Statistics show that in 2021 there have been 173 registered suicide cases between January and September alone.