Increase of suicide ideation among young adults 16 – 34 years. A case study of youths that have scored high on the symptom questions at Friendship bench, Harare, Zimbabwe

Author

Tinevimbo Matekenya

Title

Increase of suicide ideation among young adults 16 – 34 years. A case study of youths that have scored high on the symptom questions at Friendship bench, Harare, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The increase in suicide ideation among youths aged 16-34 years at the Friendship Bench study was as a result of socio-economic pressures that are exerted to adults in their bid to survive in the community. The study had the following objectives; to assess the causes of suicide ideation among youths at Friendship Bench, to establish the effects of suicide ideation on mental health issues and to establish copying strategies that can be used to reduce suicide ideation among youths at Friendship Bench. The study made use of a qualitative research design making use of focus group discussions and key informant interviews as data collection methods. The study found out that family dynamics, economic stress, mental health disorders and dating relationships lead to suicide ideation among youths in Zimbabwe. The study concludes that adverse childhood experiences, and cultural factors such as gender expectations lead to suicide ideation among youths. The study also concludes that providing resources and support programs for families and parents to enhance their understanding of youth mental health issues and equip them with the skills to support their children helps in reducing suicide ideation. The study also concludes that suicide cases affect the communities’ emotions and also increases suicide ideation amongst youths. The study recommends that the government should train educators, community leaders and families to recognize warning signs of suicide. It also recommends that support programs should be implemented so as to assist in supporting youths with suicidal tendencies and lastly the community and family should help youths by reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental health.

Date

June 2024

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Suicidal ideation

Friendship bench

Psychological distress

Young adults

Socioeconomic stressors

Supervisor

N/A