Suicide, depression in Nigeria; how to tackle them

The rate of suicide in the country and the world is alarming. Almost every other day, we hear the news of someone taking their life on social media, most of which are young children.

Table of Content hide 1What is suicide? 2Causes of suicide in Nigeria 3How to tackle suicide in Nigeria 4Top ten suicidal countries in Africa 5Depression among youth in Nigeria

What is suicide?

Suicide is the deliberate act of bringing about one’s death. Risk factors include physical illnesses like chronic fatigue syndrome, drug use disorders like alcohol use disorder, and mental health issues like depression, bipolar disorder, autism, schizophrenia, personality disorders, and anxiety disorders. Some suicides are impulsive acts brought on by stress, such as pressures from work or school, relationship issues, such as breakups or divorces, or bullying and harassment.

Causes of suicide in Nigeria

There are many causes of suicide in Nigeria. Depression is one of the major causes of suicide in Nigeria. They had grand aspirations for their lives and high hopes for the future. Many put forth much effort and believed they could overcome everything life threw at them. Life was good and joyful for them because they loved and were loved in return. 

But soon, hope gave way to despair, and sadness replaced joy in their hearts as their aspirations started to fade, and pessimism crept in. When death’s chime sounded, they ran to meet it, and there was the end. However, they left bitter memories in their bios, hurt in the hearts of those who cared for them, and a lot of questions for people who didn’t even know them but heard about their horrid ends.

Grief, sexual abuse, money issues, remorse, rejection, and unemployment are a few more typical conditions or life events that may result in suicidal thoughts.

How to tackle suicide in Nigeria 

The word suicide prevention refers to coordinated efforts to lower the suicide rate through preventive methods. Suicide prevention factors include access to therapy and support. About 60% of persons who have suicidal thoughts do not seek assistance. Low perceived necessity and a desire to handle the issue alone are reasons this isn’t done. There aren’t many well-established therapies for suicidal conduct despite these high rates.

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A person’s voice or conduct may give away to family and friends that they may be at risk of having suicidal thoughts. 

You can assist by speaking with the individual and enlisting the necessary assistance. If they are considering suicide, enquire about it. According to studies, asking does not raise the danger. Stay close by ensuring all potential suicide tools, including knives, are taken away to keep them safe. Pay attention to them and show support.

Encourage them to phone a hotline or contact somebody they could turn to for support, like a friend, relative, or spiritual advisor. After the crisis has passed, follow up with them since it seems to lower the likelihood of a recurrence. Having a list of emergency phone numbers on hand is another suggestion. These could be for a dependable friend, a helpline, or the patient’s physician.

Top ten suicidal countries in Africa 

Below is a list of the top ten suicidal countries in Africa.

1. Nigeria
2. Lesotho
3. Eritrea
4. Swaziland
5. South Africa 
6. Zimbabwe
7. Botswana
8. Central Africa Republic
9. Mozambique
10. Togo

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Depression among youth in Nigeria

Among young people’s most prevalent mental health issues are anxiety and depression. The majority of young people, according to research, report having anxiety or despair every year. 

Young people frequently don’t receive the necessary assistance because the symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed. The warning signs are occasionally disregarded or explained as “simply part of growing up.”

Depression can be a significant problem for many young people. This is especially true for people who are more burdened by the difficulties of higher education, the psychological trauma of unstable relationships, work-related stress, managing funds, or even feeling lonely after leaving home.

Intriguingly, friends and family members often revealed that the victim had been sad in the days before the awful end in most situations when young individuals were believed to have committed suicide. This suggests that those who are sad and at risk of suicide could be helped to avoid doing so if others close to them had taken the appropriate steps as soon as it was known that the victims were despondent. 

Young adults may not always be able to distinguish between depression symptoms and normal feelings of melancholy. Still, those around them should be able to recognize when a young adult is depressed so that they can provide prompt treatments to help the person feel better.

You can help them deal with depression by constantly communicating and counseling them. Also, watch out for symptoms of depression like loss of weight and appetite. Be compassionate and empathetic with them. Let them know whatever they are going through is a phase that will soon pass.

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