As nations marked World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, a Kericho-based Counselor, William Rotich, urged communities to break the silence around suicide by recognizing early warning signs of distress and encouraging open conversations on mental health.
The call comes amid growing concern over suicide in Kenya, with the Kenya Red Cross Society reporting 634 suicide-related crisis calls through its mental health support hotline since the beginning of the year.
In an interview with KNA, Counselor William Rotich said there are several warning signs and underlying factors that may point to suicidal tendencies, including hopelessness about one’s circumstances, financial distress, loneliness and rejection, chronic pain or illness, trauma, and sexual assault, as well as alcohol and drug addiction.
Rotich noted that suicide refers to the intentional taking of one’s own life, often arising from overwhelming pressures or distress, adding that dialogue and open communication were key to preventing suicide by giving people an opportunity to express their struggles and seek help.
“Given the financial stresses at the moment and lack of employment, among other challenges, the first thing is for us to accept the situation. These situations will not be permanent; things will change. We need to accept, speak-up ad have dialogue in our families. Expectations are many, and when they are not met, conflicts arise. Students also face peer pressure, so let us have dialogue with them. Let us advise them to delay gratification for a better tomorrow,” said Rotich.
Drawing from his more than 25 years of experience as a Counselor, Rotich said he has observed recurring warning signs among people at risk of suicide, urging individuals and families to learn to recognize them early to help prevent loss of life.
He said withdrawal from family and friends is a major warning sign, noting that people at risk may lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed and begin neglecting basic needs such as eating, drinking, and personal hygiene.
The counselor urges people to avoid judging or condemning those going through difficult phases in their lives; instead, they encourage families and friends to show concern, offer support, and demonstrate love to those who may be struggling.
Rotich urged people experiencing emotional distress to seek counseling and not shy away from asking for help, noting that issues related to depression, stress and suicidal thoughts are complex and should not be faced alone.
He called for talks to be conducted in learning institutions, workplaces, and medical facilities to create awareness on suicide, encourage open conversations on mental health, and empower people to recognize warning signs and seek help before reaching a crisis point.
Rotich revealed that he was currently engaging three families facing a serious matrimonial crisis, with some members experiencing suicidal thoughts. He added that people struggling with alcohol and drug addiction may be at a greater risk of developing suicidal thoughts and attempting to act on them.
The certified Counsellor urged families, institutions, and communities to create safe spaces where people can openly share their struggles without fear of judgment, saying early intervention, compassion, and access to counseling could help prevent suicide and give those in distress hope for a better tomorrow.
By Sarah Njagi
