Over the past couple of years, Nigeria has been witnessing a concerning pattern of suicides among students, shedding light on the deepening mental health crisis among the youth.
A series of tragic occurrences have illuminated the intricate array of reasons driving young individuals to commit suicide.
From within Nigeria’s universities to the streets of its urban areas, stories of desolation and tragedy have captivated the nation’s attention. Headlines like “Teen’s Tragic Suicide Result of Father’s Harassment” and “Financial Struggles Lead University Student to Take Own Life” have become disturbingly frequent. The situation has escalated to the point where concerns are being voiced about the underlying societal factors intensifying this unsettling phenomenon.
A particularly poignant instance was that of Samuel Adekoya, a second-year National Diploma student at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State. He tragically ended his life by ingesting a poisonous substance after losing both his and a friend’s school fees in an online gambling bet. This heartbreaking event unfolded just as his peers were preparing for their semester exams.
These rising suicide rates are happening against the backdrop of Nigeria’s struggling economy. Unemployment levels are high, GDP per capita is declining, and inflation is on the upswing. These economic hardships generate significant stress and depression, particularly when individuals lack a robust social support system to help them navigate tough circumstances.
Dr. Ifeanyi Uchenna, a mental health expert, observes, “The surge in suicides is tied to the economic crisis and daily depression experienced by Nigerians. This is particularly true when they lack an effective social support structure to assist them during difficult periods.”
Depression, often a precursor to these tragic occurrences, is a complex mood disorder that goes beyond ordinary sadness.
“Depression can become so overwhelming that taking one’s own life seems like the only viable choice,” explains Ufuoma Lauretta, a psychologist.
Factors such as failed relationships, financial burdens, academic pressure, and other life events can initiate a downward spiral into this abyss of hopelessness.
Moreover, the narratives of individuals like the female student from Obafemi Awolowo University and socialite Farida Abdulkabir underscore the intricate interplay of factors that drive individuals to contemplate suicide.
Frustrations, shattered relationships, societal pressures, and unresolved grief collectively contribute to a distressing narrative that demands immediate attention. The emergence of suicide as a distressing choice among Nigerian youths is indicative of not just individual struggles but also systemic issues within society.
Titilayo Tade, deputy director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, highlights that Nigeria’s suicide rate was 6.9 per 100,000 people in 2019. This rate has since risen, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating 9.5 suicides per 100,000 individuals in the country. However, due to underreporting, the actual figures could be even higher. Regrettably, Nigeria now holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest suicide rate in Africa.
These stories of despair manifest in chilling ways. In various cases, individuals have hung themselves, consumed toxic substances, leaped from heights, or even self-immolated. The narratives differ, yet a common thread is the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness propelling them toward such extreme actions.
However, amidst this somber reality, a glimmer of hope remains. Professionals and experts emphasize the significance of early intervention, psychological assistance, and open discourse to counter the surge in suicide rates. Depression and unresolved grief are identified as prominent triggers for suicidal ideation, underscoring the crucial role of mental health services in addressing this crisis.
Addressing the multifaceted nature of suicide demands a comprehensive approach. Families, communities, educational institutions, and the government must collaborate to provide the required support network for individuals. Establishing spaces for open conversations about mental health, reducing stigmas, and offering easily accessible mental health resources are pivotal steps in the right direction. Just as societal attitudes have evolved over time, so too can our collective response to suicide.
While the Nigerian government has taken certain measures, such as prohibiting the open sale of certain pesticides used for suicide and initiating efforts like the Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN), experts concur that a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Ramisi Lasisi, a sociologist, highlights the importance of social support systems within families and educational institutions. He notes that both familial bonds and institutional guidance play a vital role in preventing suicide.
Furthermore, providing economic support through grants or student loans is recommended to alleviate financial stressors. However, addressing this intricate issue necessitates a holistic strategy that encompasses mental health awareness, treatment access, and societal transformation.
As Nigeria grapples with this escalating crisis, the urgency of addressing mental health and suicide prevention cannot be overstated. The rising suicides serve as a grim reminder of the need to cultivate a nurturing environment for the country’s youth, ensuring they possess the resources and resilience to navigate life’s trials.
Suicide is a substantial public health concern with wide-reaching social, emotional, and economic implications. Currently, there are over 700,000 suicides worldwide each year, and the impact of each suicide extends to many more people.
With World Suicide Prevention Day 2023 on the horizon, themed “Creating Hope Through Action,” the message resonates that alternatives to suicide exist and collective efforts can offer hope and reinforce prevention endeavors.
Established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th annually aims to spotlight the issue, combat stigma, and heighten awareness among organizations, governments, and the public, ultimately conveying the crucial message that suicides can be prevented.
“Creating Hope Through Action” stands as the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 to 2023. This theme serves as a compelling call to action and a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that our actions can foster hope and bolster prevention efforts.
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