By Cecilia Attah
For every suicide, there are probably more than 20 suicide attempts. Reports show that Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, with approximately 9,000 suicides reported annually.
However, it should be noted that this figure is likely an underestimate, as suicide rates in many African countries, including Nigeria, are high due to the cultural and religious stigma associated with mental health, therefore actual Suicide rates in Nigeria are often underestimated. and other African countries could be higher than reported.
This alarming trend has shed light on the underlying factors that contribute to mental health problems, affecting people of all ages and socioeconomic levels, thus the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address this growing crisis.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 worldwide in 2019, and it is a problem that exists all over the world. 77% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
Every day on news reports, you hear of people taking their own lives. Two recent examples include a man jumping into a river from Meme Bridge in Kogi State and a 14-year-old girl who commits suicide for fear of continuous torture by her father and stepmother.
Nigerian lawmakers are calling on the government to prioritize mental health issues, including suicide prevention.
They call on the government to set up counselling centres across the country and work with relevant health institutions to ensure that mental health research benefits society.
The resolution was passed following a motion on the importance of implementing the Mental Health Act 2021, introduced by former President Mohammadu Buhari, to address the issue of suicide and related issues in the country. However, the law does not adequately address preventive measures against suicide in Nigeria. As part of this resolution, the House of Representatives directed the Committee on Health Services to evaluate the implementation of the Mental Health Act and conduct a needs assessment for its full implementation.
To this end, World Suicide Prevention Day was established, celebrated annually on September 10, with the aim of raising awareness of suicide prevention and promoting global suicide prevention activities.
Did you know that in ancient Athens, someone who committed suicide without state approval was not given a normal burial but was buried alone and without identification on the outskirts of the city? In 1670, Louis XIV issued a criminal ordinance that was even harsher, where the person’s body was dragged through the streets face down and then either hung or thrown onto a garbage heap while also having all their property taken away.
Although suicide is considered a crime in some regions, it has been decriminalized in many countries. However, it is widely viewed with disapproval and carries with it a serious social stigma.
In some situations, suicide can be seen as a means of asserting one’s freedom, as shown by cases where it is used as a form of protest against oppression or injustice, such as in ancient Rome, medieval Japan, and the modern Tibet Autonomous Region.
In Nigeria, suicide is not considered a criminal offence, but attempted suicide is considered illegal under Article 2. 327 of the Nigerian Penal Code states: “Any person who attempts suicide is guilty of an offense and shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year.” The argument was to incite fear and reduce the suicide rate, but despite the criminalization of suicide attempts, the suicide rate is still very high, which begs the question: what was the point of using it??
There is no evidence that criminalizing suicide has a deterrent effect. In fact, research has shown that this can actually increase the risk of suicide, as people who fear legal repercussions are less likely to seek help and more likely to attempt suicide in secret.
For instance, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the man who recently attempted suicide in Lagos would be prosecuted after receiving medical treatment.
It is estimated that 90% of people who attempt suicide suffer from mental health problems such as depression. By criminalizing suicide attempts, these depressed people become criminals, which can further stigmatize mental illness and make it more difficult to seek help.
To this end, experts and groups have condemned this act and called on the government to decriminalize suicide. They demanded that the government should focus on providing care and treatment to people struggling with these problems rather than criminalizing suicide. This includes investing in mental health services, reducing stigma, and raising awareness of signs of suicide risk.
The civil Society Organisation, Nigerian Mental Health, and Dr. Adedotun Esan, the founder of the Mental Health Ditty Foundation, have made a plea to the Federal government of Nigeria to repeal the suicide law, arguing that attempters need help, not punishment.
Although suicide cannot be attributed to a single cause, it is a multifaceted issue influenced by various factors which include Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, which are among the leading risk factors for suicide.
People with these conditions may experience strong feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness, which can make it difficult to adjust to life and lead to suicidal thoughts.
Poverty is another major factor in Nigeria and can lead to hopelessness and hopelessness, which can lead to suicidal thoughts.
Trauma such as child abuse or neglect can also increase the risk of suicide. People who have experienced trauma may have difficulty dealing with stress and are more prone to self-harm, including suicide.
A lack of social support can also make it difficult to cope with problems and lead to suicidal thoughts, economic hardship, unemployment, and limited access to essential services, which are significant stressors that can exacerbate mental health problems. In addition, social pressures, including social expectations, family conflicts, and relationship problems, often increase psychological distress in the individual and can lead to suicide.
Addressing the suicide crisis in Nigeria requires multiple approaches, including government intervention, social support, and increased mental health awareness.
Here are some possible solutions:
Launching national campaigns to raise awareness of mental health, dispel myths, and promote open conversations can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health problems
Integrating mental health education into school curricula and training teachers, parents, and community leaders can help identify warning signs and provide appropriate support.
Establishing hotlines and support networks with trained professionals can provide immediate help to people in crisis and ensure that they have access to appropriate resources.
Better data collection systems and research on suicide causes and risk factors are essential for developing effective suicide prevention policies.
Professor Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister for Health and Human Services, said evidence-based strategies such as increasing financial support, improving access to affordable and quality mental health services, and restricting access to lethal means among people at risk of suicide can prevent suicide.
This means that the government should prioritize mental health by providing more resources for mental health centers, training health workers, and expanding access to affordable, quality mental health services.
He also suggested promoting connectivity through peer norms and community engagement programs, teaching coping and problem-solving skills, identifying and supporting people at risk of suicide, and using data on suicidal behavior for planning and intervention purposes.
In conclusion, instead of criminalizing suicide, we should focus on the care and treatment of those who suffer from it. This includes investing in mental health services, reducing stigma, and raising awareness of signs of suicide risk.
We should also work to create a more supportive society where people feel comfortable talking about their mental health issues and seeking help when they need it. Collaboration between government, civil society, and individuals is crucial to creating a society that values mental health and supports those who need it.
