The Quencher:
Restoring Resilience Across Generations
Suicide Awareness Month – Let’s break the silence!
Every September, the world marks suicide awareness month. As it concludes, let’s continue this dialogue to ensure that countless individuals can be saved from this struggle.
In Kenya today and the world over, too many young individuals are enduring profound suffering in silence. Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15–29, and every year the world loses close to 800,000 lives this way—that’s one person every 40 seconds. Behind every number is a person, a dream, and a story that mattered.
If you are a young person struggling, maybe you’ve heard these loud thoughts whisper:
“I am alone.”
“I am a burden.”
“No one would understand.”
Those feelings can be overwhelming—but they are not the truth.
Living with depression, anxiety, trauma, or heartbreak is not an indication of weakness. It means you’ve been fighting battles that others can’t always see. And choosing to speak about suicidal thoughts is not “seeking attention”—it is one of the bravest acts of hope you can take.
Here in Kenya, many men in particular are encouraged to “stay strong” and to keep quiet about their struggles. Yet silence, stigma, and pressure to appear okay drive many deeper into hopelessness. True strength is not found in hiding pain; genuine bravery lies in seeking support—from a friend, a counselor, a family member, or even a compassionate stranger who is willing to listen.
If you are hurting, hear this: your feelings are valid, and your life matters. You don’t have to navigate the darkness by yourself. Reach out to individuals who are willing to listen, ready to walk with you, and help remind you that hope is still alive, even when you can’t see it.
🌱 Hope is not gone. Sometimes it just requires someone else to remind you of its light.
🌱 You are needed here. Choosing to stay is giving yourself the chance to see brighter days ahead.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:
Befrienders Kenya – 0722 178 177 / 0733 728 939
Kenya Red Cross Toll Free Line – 1199
A trusted teacher, counselor, or faith leader (Tabby, your trusted counsellor is here for you – reach out on 0722268062).
You are not alone. Your story is still being written—and the world needs you in it.