Suicide is a prevailing global public health issue that tragically affects families, and even the global community. The World Health Organization, during the 2022 World Suicide Prevention Day claimed that recent survey indicated an estimated 700,000 suicide rate yearly, adding that every 45 seconds, someone dies of suicide globally. WHO also indicated that for every suicidal death, there are about 25 suicidal attempts, with 77 percent of these cases, recorded in low- and middle-income countries. The survey further indicated that an approximation of 135 people are victims of intense grief per suicide case, resulting in over 108 million people being impacted by suicidal behaviors and suffer severe grief yearly.
It is quite paradoxical that Nigeria which has been regarded as the abode of the happiest people globally, records the highest suicide rate in Africa. Olonade Tomiwa, a 19-year-old student of Ipetu-Ijesga College of Education, as well as Carter Oshodin, a staff member of the University of Benin were reported to have committed suicide as a result of their unfavorable financial situations. These two cases illustrate how suicide generally cut across social and economic demographics. People, despite their class, gender, educational status, religion, age group and even culture are affected by and have suicidal feelings.
Criminalization of suicide attempts have not helped in reducing the act.
Nigeria’s suicide rate however poses an important concern due to its immense consequences on the deceased persons and also the grieving ones. It usually plunges the dependent ones into a situation of psychological trauma and economic deprivation. All these, together with the fact that no one wields the power to take their own life is why the Nigerian Constitution criminalizes the attempt. But it is necessary to note that the criminalization of attempted suicide in Nigeria has definitely not helped reduce the attempt or even the actual act.
Nigeria is one of the few countries where suicide attempts are still criminalized, against the idea of the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), which is majorly dedicated to helping victims of suicide attempts and creating awareness among organizations, governmental institutions and the general public in a bid to prevent suicide. In fact, experts have raised concerns over the impact of criminalizing suicide as a way of invalidating the experiences of the victims which is its way, worsens the problem than salvaged it. Experts agree that suicide occurs mostly due to depression or other mental illness. Numerous people, for different emotional crisis or breakdowns tend to gravitate towards suicide, as they feel that they have no control over whatsoever goes on in their lives.
Family must learn to monitor the dynamics of everyone around them.
WHO explained that in the global action towards propagating the prevention of suicide, there was a significant need for collaboration and coordination among different sectors like health, media, politics, business and justice. Primarily, families, religious institutions and civil society organizations should also play an interventionist role towards helping victims and creating awareness. Also, victims of depression must learn to understand that their families and friends love them and try to genuinely seek help. Also, family members must learn to monitor the dynamics of everyone around them, be empathetic and recommend therapy when an individual needs it.
Suicide is a mental challenge and must be handled like every other health issues. Everyone is urged to be monumentally communal and have a sense of others by showing kindness to people, especially those with physical and emotional crisis. Also, the society must not judge victims of attempted suicide but rather, listen to them, be empathetic and validate their feelings. Religious institutions must also enact the role of hope and refuge for these victims instead of also being an entity of economic pressure.
Suicide must be recognized as a mental issue requiring humane solutions.
The government also has an important responsibility to ensure the safety of every citizen by censuring of the tools for committing suicide like pesticides, firearms and certain medications. The National Orientation Agency must also work collectively with the health sector, the media and other health-prioritized NGOs to sensitize Nigerians on suicide prevention and viable responses to suicide attempts. Hotlines for immediate help must also be created as well as educating people against the stigmatization of mental health issues. With the economic situation being a major trigger for suicide amongst many Nigerians, the government must work towards improving the economic situation of the country. Importantly, suicide must be recognized as a mental issue that requires humane solutions like empathy and thus, the laws criminalizing suicide attempt must be reviewed.
Related Links
Wikipedia: Website
WHO: Website
