MASERU — Unresolved emotional difficulties can accumulate over time and eventually become overwhelming.

This wa said by a student nurse Ms.Lebohang Motumi urging people to recognise their emotions, talk about their experiences and find healthy ways of coping.

Sharing her personal experience at a suicide prevention and mental health awareness session held at the National University of Lesotho on Saturday, Ms.Lebohang Motumi said small problems that are not addressed when they arise can accumulate until they reach a crisis point.

She compared the build-up of emotions to a volcano, saying people may continue carrying painful experiences until they eventually become overwhelmed.

Ms. Motumi said people should identify coping mechanisms that work for them, noting that individuals respond differently to difficult experiences.

She cited journaling, creative activities and talking to trusted friends as some of the ways she manages difficult emotions.

She also emphasised the importance of having people to turn to during difficult moments, saying she has three friends she can call when she needs someone to talk to.

Echoing the importance of addressing emotional pain, academic programmes developer, counselor, and researcher at the National University of Lesotho Mr. Mafa Maiketso said people experiencing difficult circumstances may lose hope because they become focused on their immediate pain. 

He said people may not realise that painful experiences can be temporary, and encouraged them to become more aware of their emotions and find ways of managing them.

Meanwhile, educational psychologist and the Career and Counselling Unit Coordinator at the National University of Lesotho Mr. Ts’eliso Khoeane,emphasised communication as a key part of suicide prevention.

He said people may remain silent because they fear being judged, making it difficult for others to know what they are experiencing.

Mr. Khoeane said students in particular may face circumstances that make it difficult for them to see a future for themselves, making communication and support essential.

He encouraged people to talk to trusted individuals about their experiences instead of keeping their struggles to themselves.

September is observed as Suicide Prevention Month, providing an opportunity to raise awareness about suicide, promote open conversations around mental health and encourage people experiencing emotional distress to seek support.

ENDS/TS