A few days ago, the journalism fraternity and the country at large woke up to some shocking news on the death of prolific arts writer Godwin Muzari (40) who apparently committed suicide at his residence in Harare.
No one really knows what pushed the ‘godfather’ to reach such a decision and the only word on the lips of many is: why?
The sad and untimely passing of the talented scribe bears true testimony that journalists are some of the nicest people in this world and it’s quite unfortunate that at their lowest they can’t share their sorrows because their issues become gossip fodder.
Music producer Clive Mono Mukundu wrote on his face book a condolence message which also brought some light to the case.
“I’ve just received sad news of the untimely passing of one of Zimbabwe’s very dedicated journalist, Godwin Muzari. One time when he wrote my story he visited me at home and sat down with the whole family, very few journalists do that.
“From the reports I have received it is suspected that he committed suicide, it is yet to be fully confirmed. But coincidentally, in my latest book ‘Man Vacuum’ I have a whole topic on male suicide.
“Statistically around the world the number of men commiting suicide is increasing at an alarming rate because men suffer in silence.
“It is not true that men have it all good, we also have issues. Its high time men’s issues are taken seriously, instead of the male bashing narratives that stereotypes all men, and paint all of them with the same brush,” he wrote.
According to research most men commit suicide because they cannot communicate well. The key element is communication.
It’s too simplistic to say women are willing to share their problems and men tend to bottle them up. But it is true that, for generations, many societies have encouraged men to be “strong” and not admit they’re struggling.
“We tell boys that ‘boys don’t cry’, We condition boys from a very young age to not express emotion, because to express emotion is to be ‘weak,” said Colman O’ Driscoll, former executive director of operations and development at Lifeline, an Australian charity providing 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Dangerously, rather than seeking help through established channels, some men may attempt to “self-medicate”.
“There tends to be more substance use and alcohol use among males, which may just reflect the distress they’re feeling – but we know it compounds the issue of suicide,”.
“It’s not that men don’t have the same issues as women – but they’re a little less likely to know they have whatever stresses or mental health conditions that are putting them at greater risk for suicide,” says Harkavy-Friedman.