World Suicide Prevention Day: Experts Share Strategies To Address Rising Suicide Rates

In a tragic parallel, Mama Dada, a middle-aged woman, took her own life last year over a N70,000 debt. After sending her youngest child to buy fuel, she set herself on fire, leading to her death and the destruction of her home in Oke-Keesi, Itoko, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Similarly, Oluwaseun Shorinola, a 32-year-old man, recently ended his life due to economic hardship. His body was discovered by his wife hanging in their Kemta-area home in Abeokuta.

These incidents underscore the importance of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed on September 10, organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in partnership with WHO. The 2024-2026 theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation.”

Suicide, an act of taking one’s life due to overwhelming challenges, transcends race, color, and geographic boundaries. According to a 2021 WHO survey, over 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year, equating to one person every 40 seconds. In Africa, Nigeria ranks 13th in suicide mortality, with males having a rate of 9.9 per 100,000 and females 9.2 per 100,000.

Counseling psychologist Mrs. Damilola Onebamhoin, known as Coach D, attributes many suicides to a lack of support systems. She emphasizes that suicidal thoughts develop over time and advocates for surrounding oneself with supportive individuals to mitigate these thoughts.

Onebamhoin notes that suicide often stems from a cycle of depression, isolation, and deteriorating mental health, with economic hardship exacerbating the issue. She highlights that isolation often leads to suicidal thoughts and a reliance on alcohol and drug abuse for comfort.

Societal pressures, such as expectations about marriage and career success, also contribute to mental health struggles. Coach D points out that societal norms can create feelings of inadequacy, especially when personal achievements do not meet these expectations.

She calls for governments at all levels to implement free counseling services for those experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts, regardless of their financial status. She stresses that such services foster empathy, break down barriers, and create supportive environments.

In her conclusion, Coach D urges individuals to surround themselves with positive influences, avoid fixating on problems, and rise above personal flaws to combat suicidal thoughts effectively.