To conclude Men's Mental Health Month, the Namibian Police in the Omaheke Region hosted a conference at Gobabis held under the theme "Strong men, healthy minds: Building resilience, wellness, and purpose".

The conference was aimed at creating awareness about the importance of mental health among police officers and to encourage them to seek help when they need it.

The programme focused on the challenges officers face both at work and at home.

Discussions covered occupational stress, family and relationship pressures, depression, anxiety, burnout, financial discipline, and suicide prevention.

The conference also highlighted the importance of encouraging men to speak openly about their mental health and to seek support when they are struggling.

Organisers said many men continue to suffer in silence because of the pressure to appear strong and shoulder the responsibilities that come with being providers, fathers, and leaders in their communities.

Omaheke Police Regional Commander Commissioner Heinrich Tjiveze explained.

"It is reported that about 80% of suicides are committed by men. This indicates that our male counterparts, or we as men, are suffering in silence. Being a man naturally comes with many responsibilities, and those responsibilities increase when you are a man in uniform—a man who understands, complies with, and lives by the law. However, we should remember that we are only human. Society expects us to be physically and mentally fit to carry out our duties, yet the psychological cost of maintaining this standard is rarely acknowledged. Nobody really asks where we get our strength from."

The conference also highlighted that seeking assistance is a sign of strength rather than weakness and that maintaining mental health is essential for officers to continue serving their communities effectively.