Gbenro Adesina
A non-governmental organisation, Suicide Is No Solution (SINS), has lamented the increase in suicide cases in Nigeria, urging Nigerian institutions to promote and support mental health and the general well-being of citizens.
The group stated this in a statement signed by SINS Project Lead, Idy Toye-Arulogun.
Marking the annual World Suicide Prevention Day which takes place on September 10 of every year, the group stated that suicide is the number two cause of death worldwide after automobile accidents, emphasising that one individual in the world dies by suicide every 40 seconds.
The Group further revealed that Nigeria ranks number one in West Africa, seventh in Africa and 15th in the world on the list of countries by suicide figures per hundred thousand citizens.
“The high rate of suicide in our country is a major concern that needs to be addressed by Government, corporate organisations, faith-based organisations, groups and associations. Nigerians commit the act of suicide due to several factors including family suicide history, financial inadequacy, psychiatric illness leading to depression, failure in examinations, physical disability, unbearable emotional or physical pain, sexual harassment and molestation, loss of loved ones, loss of employment, loss of self-esteem, difficulties in relationships and substance abuse”, the Group added.
It, however, noted that poor economic and financial conditions are the number one cause of suicide in Nigeria.
The SINS Project Lead further advised parents, couples, and family members to pay more attention to the behavioural patterns of family members and loved ones to be able to detect signs of depression early with a view to seeking professional help.
It recommended an improvement in communication and care among family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and community members for stronger bonds and better relationships.
Meanwhile, the SINS initiative has lined up a series of activities to join the rest of the world in commemorating the 2020 World Suicide Prevention Day in fulfillment of its main objective of a significant reduction in the rate of deaths by suicide in Nigeria, through strong public enlightenment and advocacy campaigns that dissuade citizens from killing themselves.
