Why Suicide Risk Can Increase at the Start of the Year And How You Can Help

The start of a new year is often pictured as a time of fresh beginnings, hope, and new goals. But for many people in Kenya and across Africa, January can also be a difficult, heavy, or lonely time. The pressure to bounce back after December festivities, combined with harsh financial realities and family expectations, can make life feel overwhelming, and for some, this can increase thoughts of suicide.

Understanding December-January in Our Context

In Kenya and much of Africa, December is a special time. Many of us:

• Travel to our rural homes to be with extended family
•  Attend Christmas church services and community celebrations
• Share meals and fellowship with relatives and neighbors
• Spend significantly on food, gifts, travel, and celebrations
• Host or attend weddings, which are common during this season
• Take children shopping for new school uniforms and supplies

  But when January arrives, reality hits hard:

• School fees are due, and bills have piled up

• December spending has left wallets empty

• The festive social support disappears as everyone returns to their routines

• Family members who travelled upcountry must readjust to city life.

• The pressure to make this year better feels impossible when struggling to meet basic needs

While the exact reasons for higher suicide risks are not fully understood, scientists and suicide researchers have proposed a few explanations:

1. The “Broken Promise” Effect (High Expectations vs Reality)

The new year represents hope and fresh starts. Churches preach about breakthroughs and blessings. Social media shows others appearing successful and happy. But when:

•   Financial struggles continue or worsen
• Jobs remain scarce
•  Family problems persist
• Health challenges have not improved
• The better year promised does not materialize

 This contrast between expectation and reality can be distressing, hence the “broken promise” effect that increases the risk of suicide.

2. Loss of Social Support After Holidays

During December, our African culture of ubuntu (I am because we are) is most visible. We gather, we share, and we support each other. This communal protection is powerful.

But in January:

• Extended family returns to their separate locations
• The daily visits and communal meals stop
• Church attendance may drop after the Christmas season
• People become absorbed in their own struggles
• Those who live alone or far from home feel the isolation most acutely

This sudden loss of community can leave vulnerable people feeling abandoned and forgotten, increasing suicide risk.

3. Stress and Pressure

The new year often brings expectations:

• “This should be better than last year.”
• “I should be happy or successful.”
• “I should already know what I want to do next.”

The shame and stress of not being able to meet family obligations—especially for men who feel they should be providers—can feel unbearable. Many suffer in silence rather than burden others or admit their struggles.

4. Changes in Routines and Environment

Holiday festivities often involve:

•  Changes in sleep patterns
• Increased alcohol consumption
• Disrupted medication routines for those with chronic conditions
• Less time for prayer, exercise, or personal reflection

For people already struggling with mental health challenges, these disruptions can increase vulnerability.

Recognising Warning Signs

Someone may be at risk if they:

Talk about:

• Wanting to die or end their pain
• Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
• Being a burden to family or others
• Feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
• Say goodbye, or you will not see me again

Behave in concerning ways:

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or church community
• Giving away possessions or settling debts suddenly
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behavior
•  Sleeping too much or too little
• Dramatic mood changes
• Saying goodbye to people as if they will not be seen again

Show signs of:

• Deep sadness, anxiety, or agitation
• Inability to concentrate or make decisions
• Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
• Neglecting personal appearance or hygiene
• Expressing intense shame or self-hatred

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is.

How to Support Someone Who May Be Struggling

If you notice someone seems isolated, withdrawn, or expresses feelings of hopelessness, there are ways you can help:

1. Check in regularly (Ubuntu in Action): Do not wait for them to reach out. In our culture of community:

•        Visit them in person if possible

•        Make a phone call (not just a text)

•        Invite them for tea or a meal

•        Ask directly: How are you really doing? Or Unaskia aje? (How are you feeling?)

•        Listen without judgment—do not rush to give advice or fix them

What to say:

•  I have noticed you seem different lately. I am worried about you.

• You matter to me. I am here to listen.

• It is okay to not be okay. Let us figure this out together.

What NOT to say:

•   Just pray about it (prayer is important, but not a substitute for professional help)

• Others have it worse

•  You are being selfish

•  Be strong or Man up

2.  Encourage Professional Support: Encourage them to speak with a counsellor, psychologist, or trained suicide prevention professional.

3.  Offer Practical Support: Sometimes the most helpful thing is addressing immediate stressors:

• Help with school fees or connecting them to bursary programs

•  Assist with job searching or income-generating ideas

•  Share a meal or groceries

•  Help develop a safety plan (remove dangerous items, identify people to call, create coping strategies)

•  Connect them with community support like chamas, church groups, or self-help groups

4. Stay Connected: Consistent support matters more than one-time conversations. Regularly showing your care can be lifesaving.

5. Involve the Community (With Permission)

With the person’s consent, involve:

• Trusted family members or elders

• Church leaders or prayer groups

• Close friends or neighbors

• Community health workers

Our African strength is in community—but always respect the person’s privacy and dignity.

How to Protect Yourself

Helping others is part of our culture, but you cannot pour from an empty cup.

1. Recognize Your Limits: You do not have to have all the answers or fix someone’s problems. Being present and listening is often enough.

2.  Practice Self-Care: Maintaining your own emotional well-being allows you to support others effectively.

3. Seek Support when Overwhelmed: If you feel overwhelmed, contact a trained professional. You are not alone.

The start of the year does not have to be perfect. January’s struggles do not define your whole year. Everyone’s experience is different, and difficult seasons are a normal part of life.

You are not alone. In our African culture, we say, “Mwana wa mnazi huzaliwa mgongoni” (The coconut tree’s child is born already high up)—meaning we are held up by our community. Reach out. Accept help. There is no shame in struggling, only in suffering alone.

By understanding these patterns and supporting one another with compassion and practical help, we can make the start of the year safer and more hopeful for everyone.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out:

Crisis Helplines (Free & Confidential)

•        CSRI Helpline: +254 703 388 130

•        Kenya Red Cross Counselling: 1199 (toll-free)

Mental Health Services

•        Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital: +254 20 3506001

•        Chiromo Lane Medical Centre (Nairobi): +254 719 639 296

•        Oasis Africa (Low-cost counselling): www.oasisafrica-kenya.org

•        Your County Hospital: Most county hospitals now have mental health departments

Every conversation matters. Every check-in counts. Every moment of care can save a life.

Do not wait. Reach out today.

This article was developed to reflect the lived experiences of people in Kenya and across Africa. We recognize that mental health challenges affect everyone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.