Experts link stress, economic hardship, failing marriages to rising suicide in Nigeria

Breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, economic hardship, relationship break-ups and mental health are among the factors speeding up suicidal cases in Nigerians at the moment.

These has become a source of concern as Nigeria joins the rest of the world to marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) been today Monday 10th September, “The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented,” says World Health Organisation (WHO).

“Nigeria ranks 71 out of 177 countries accounting for 9.9 suicides per 100,000 populations of deaths annually”, according to data from the 2018 global Suicide rate report by World population review.

Nigeria however, has a disturbing picture to offer. The suicide rates in the country have increased over the last couple of years.

Health experts say that until Nigeria is able to enact the mental health bill, the country might not be able to properly tackle the depression scourge which is one of the reasons for suicide.

Suicide occurs throughout the world, affecting individuals of all nations, cultures, religions, genders and classes. Statistics show that the countries with the highest suicide rates in the world are incredibly diverse.

Owoeye Olugbenga a consultant psychologist and clinical psychologist at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos, said the criminalisation of suicide was predicated on the Lunacy Law made by colonial leaders.

“Our lawmakers should review the Mental Health Law in line with what obtains in other countries, especially developed nations. The bill is already with the Senate. They should make provision for the treatment of those who attempt suicide rather than get them arrested.

“As the law is being repealed, the government should also fund the psychiatry hospitals. There are fewer than 500 psychiatrists nationwide to take care of 180 million people. We even have fewer clinical psychologists and psychiatrist nurses. These are not enough to take care of the psychiatry need of the nation,”Olugbenga says.

Similarly, an industry watcher says in Nigeria, suicide is more of a social and public health objective than a traditional exercise in the mental health sector.

“Mental health professionals, doctors and counsellors can be reached out to manage suicidal tendencies. The proactive steps taken by several such professionals in the capacity of leaders has helped and has the potential to help save thousands of lives.”

“Occurrence of suicide tends to be under-reported and misclassified due to both traditional and social pressures, and possibly completely unreported in some areas,” says expert.

Available statistics show that someone in the world commits suicide in every 40 seconds, translating to 800,000 people annually.

Most suicide cases have been said to occur in low and middle-income countries with poor health systems and lack of early signs identification.

According to WHO, suicide occurs all over the world and can take place at almost any age. Globally, suicide rates are highest in people aged 70 years and over while in some countries, however, the highest rates are found among the young.

Depression is often linked with feelings of ending one’s life. While depression is more common in women, men are more likely to attempt suicide.

However, WHO defines ‘suicide as the act of killing oneself, deliberately initiated and performed by the person concerned in full knowledge or expectation of its fatal outcome.’

Suicides are preventable and there are a number of measures that can be taken to prevent suicide which includes reducing access to the means of suicide like pesticides, firearms, certain medications, early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders, chronic pain and acute emotional distress.

ANTHONIA OBOKOH