DEPRESSION: WHY THE SUICIDE?
Taking a look at the
trending news in the past months in Nigeria, one would find out that virtually
everyone becomes ‘mental health counselor’ giving all sorts of advice on how
to deal with depression. Of course, the fact remains that suicide is a major
public health problem worldwide. But then, is it a matter everyone can discuss?
Obviously NO! It is a sensitive matter meant to be discussed only by the
trained ones.
Although mental health
awareness is slowly becoming a mainstay of the contemporary media,
historically, Nigerians believed depression is “white men sickness”! Presently,
one would wonder about the Nigerian perception of mental health, considering
the drastic increase in suicide rate in the country. A publication by the World
Health Organization released on the 29th of July 2018 ranked Nigeria
fifth among the top suicide prone countries. The top four being South Korea,
Russia, India and Japan, and developed countries including US, France, South
Africa, Australia and Canada followed Nigeria in the list. Isn’t this something
important to worry about?
Again, there is no doubt
that depression is the major cause of suicide. Of all those who have killed
themselves, many have experienced depression, bipolar disorder or other form of
mental illness. Do you know about this prediction, for every person who dies
from suicide, it is thought at least another 20 people attempt to take their
lives? No wonder another student at Kwara State University also committed
suicide few days after one Aisha of Ahamdu Bello University killed herself.
Undoubtedly, ignorance
to the hazard of depression is the major cause for lack of attention. If you
don’t know what depression is, CLICK HERE to read more from my previous post.
Presently, it is pleasing to see many individuals and initiatives educating
people on mental, but there is need for more hands on deck; more mental health
officers especially in schools, working sectors and within various communities.
HOW TO
HELP A FRIEND WITH SUICIDAL THOUGHT
Now, everyone agrees
that suicide is a leading cause of death for people seriously affected by
mental illness. In fact, one in every 10 people affected by mental illness kill
themselves! However, with medical intervention, counselling, social support and
time, many of those who have attempted suicide, or have seriously thought about
killing themselves, will go on to live full, productive lives.
SUICIDE
WARNING SIGNS
Watch out for these
signs. Majority of those who are suicidal show the following signs:
1.
Expression
of hopelessness or helplessness
2.
Change
in personality or appearance
3.
Change
in eating and sleeping habits
4.
Overwhelming
sense of guilt
5.
Lack of
interest in future
6.
Written
or spoken notice of intention to commit suicide
7.
Giving
away possessions
HOW TO
HELP
If you think a friend is
at risk, discuss your concerns with them openly and non-judgmentally. Also
discuss your concerns with relevant mental health professionals to provide
education and support. It is important to realize that responsibility for an
action ultimately lies with the person who carries it out. This can be hard to
accept. However, if everything possible has been done and someone is still
seriously determined to end his/her life, it can be very difficult to stop
them.
Finally, it is important to remember that
thoughts about harming yourself or suicide are just thoughts. They do not mean
you have to actually harm yourself. If you notice change in your mental health,
give yourself a break. Don’t make yourself feel guilty for things you can’t do
or control. It is okay to struggle. It is okay to seek help. It is okay to open
up with a trusted person. It is okay to speak or visit a mental health officer.
Your mental health is as important as your life.
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