World Suicide Prevention Day is observed all over the world on the 10th of September. It is a day dedicated to increasing awareness about suicide and promoting the importance of suicide prevention in the society.
Today is September 10 and this year’s theme is Changing the Narrative on Suicide with the call to action – Start the Conversation.
This theme is aimed at encouraging more conversations about suicide and raising awareness about the importance of reducing it. On this day, we must have a conversation on the need to change how we think of suicide and shift from a culture of silence to one of understanding and support.
The call to action for this year’s theme is Start the Conversation. This means we need to have more discussions around suicide in our society and break the barrier of silence and stigma around it.
So, in this article, you will learn about suicide in Nigeria, the myths around it, its signs and causes. You will also learn how to start the conversation around suicide and other suicide preventative measures.
Suicide in Nigeria
Suicide is when someone dies by self-harm. Wikipedia defines it as the act of taking one’s own life. It is when someone harms his/herself with the intent to die e.g., jumping from a high place, taking dangerous substances like sniper, drugs, etc
Suicide is not specific to any age group, class, position. For example, in April, it was reported that a Deputy Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Nigeria took his own life. This goes to show that anyone can commit suicide regardless of position or class.
According to the WHO, there are more than 700,000 deaths by suicide globally every year. In Africa, Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates.
There are several cases of persons committing suicide either due to depression, financial problems, breakups etc. In 2022, the Punch reported up to 79 cases of suicide and this number has dramatically increased over the years.
What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?
There are no clear cut signs to tell if someone is considering suicide. However, there are certain warning signs that might give an indication such as
- Talking or thinking about death constantly.
- Making final preparations like saying goodbye to loved ones, writing a will, researching on suicide methods online, etc.
- Buying harmful substances like drugs, Sniper, etc.
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness or feelings of being trapped. e.g When someone constantly says’ I am tired’. This might not be a reference for how they feel physically but how they feel regarding a situation.
- Constant mood swings.
- Isolation and withdrawal from friends and loved ones.
- Posting cryptic messages on their social media about death, hopelessness etc.
- Taking reckless or self-harming risks like drunk driving or speed driving, etc.
NOTE: If you find that someone shows any of the signs above, you should try to reach out to them. It should also be noted that these signs vary for different persons.
Why would someone consider suicide?
A person could have suicidal thoughts or commit suicide for various reasons like:
- Physical abuse like bullying.
- Sexual abuse and emotional abuse.
- Debt or financial failures.
- Relationship breakdown like divorce, heartbreaks, etc.
- Mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, Substance Use Disorder, etc.
- Unemployment and poverty.
- Diagnosis of a terminal or incurable disease.
- Cultural or religious beliefs.
- Grief or death of a loved one.
- Alcohol or substance abuse.
- Academic pressure.
ALSO READ: 10 major benefits of joining an online mental health community
Suicide Prevention Measures in Nigeria
People consider suicide because they feel it is an end to a hopeless situation. However, no situation is hopeless. Here are a few ways on how we can reduce the risk of suicide in our society-
1. Start a Conversation
In line with the theme for this year, having discussions about suicide is one of the ways we can reduce the risk and stigma associated with it.
Having open conversations about suicide can help people who are feeling suicidal come forward and talk about it instead of resorting to self-harm.
Encourage people around you to talk about their struggles and what they are going through. If you notice any warning signs, reach out and offer a listening ear. This could go a long way in reducing risks of suicide in such persons.
Pay attention to the needs and behaviors of your loved ones. For example, if you notice anyone posting cryptic messages on their social media, reach out to them.
Also, do not be judgmental while having these conversations. Let your support come from a place of understanding and empathy.
You can also encourage them to reach out to mental health providers like therapists, counsellors etc. If they are feeling shy or scared of being judged, there are online mental health providers that they can reach out to and receive confidential care.
An example is Mycarebuddy. We offer quality mental health services to individuals, families, groups etc., and you can reach out to us.
You can also refer them to helplines that they can call or text and receive support.
No one is above feeling hopeless and having suicidal thoughts. So, try to be more understanding.
2. Mental Health Awareness and Education
There needs to be more sensitization of the public about mental health and mental wellness. Many Nigerians still perceive mental health issues as something to be ashamed about and this needs to stop.
The best way to do this is to increase awareness efforts on the discussions of mental health and mental health issues. These awareness campaigns must be done online and offline with stakeholders in the entertainment, cultural, religious, social scenes leading the charge.
3. Increased Mental Health Services
In Nigeria, mental health services are either inaccessible or unavailable. Many persons especially in the rural areas do not even know where mental health providers can be found.
Therefore, the government, NGOs, private organizations need to work together to expand mental health services in Nigeria.
Other Suicide Prevention Measures Include-
- Organizing more skill acquisition programs to reduce poverty and economic hardships in the country.
2.. Sensitizing the public on financial issues like loans, etc.
- Publicizing the existence of helplines for people who are feeling suicidal.
- Establishment of mental health support groups and communities where individuals can be educated on mental health, suicide, etc.
Mycarebuddy can Help
Mycarebuddy is a mental health organization in Nigeria that offers mental health services like therapy, trainings, mental health resources, etc.
You can reach out to us here if you or any of your loved one is having suicidal thoughts or just going through a hard time.
You can also join our mental health community and receive support, resources all aimed at supporting your mental health.
Conclusion
Suicide is preventable not inevitable. Everyone including the government, churches, mosques, families have a role to play in reducing and preventing the incidence of suicide in Nigeria.
So, as we observe the World Suicide Prevention Day, let us commit to raising awareness, supporting mental health initiatives, and promoting open conversations to reduce the risk of suicide and other mental health issues in our country.