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Nigerians have urged the federal government to take more seriously the rising suicide rate among young people, especially men, across the country.
They urge the Federal Government to provide measures to stop the problem that is getting out of hand.
Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa.
It is considered a taboo in Nigeria and is also an offense under Section 327 of the Penal Code.
But this has not stopped the alarming rise in the number of people attempting suicide.
The depression and the harsh economic realities of the country have only helped push many beyond the limits of endurance.
Peer pressure, poverty, and marital conflicts are more prevalent in today’s society due to financial constraints, which more or less answers the questions raised about why suicide is more common among men.
Ingesting the “Sniper” liquid insecticide is the most common method young men and women take to kill themselves.
Another method is jumping from bridges.
A talk with experts from various sectors gives us more information about the causes of the increase in suicide cases among men in Nigeria.
Not having anyone with whom to share problems and receive encouragement is a problem.
They encourage men to embrace psychotherapy or find someone to talk to, since a problem shared is often a problem solved.
Another calls for awareness and the need to do things differently, so as not to fall into financial limitations.
They also urge suicidal Nigerians to talk to people and seek help.
Government at all levels should also show more concern for its citizens by providing affordable and accessible psychotherapy.
Unemployment and the hopelessness of not knowing how to achieve their dreams is a stark reality facing young people in today’s economic circumstances and a major driving factor for suicide.
The federal government must assume its responsibilities to create more avenues of employment, creating an enabling environment for youth to become self-sufficient and empowered youth.
To avoid suicidal thoughts, Nigerians are encouraged to keep busy by gaining skills, seeking help and going to therapy.
Suicide accounts for more than a million deaths each year: WHO
Although the link between suicide and mental disorders (particularly depression and alcohol use disorders) is well established in high-income countries, many suicides occur impulsively in times of crisis with a failure to cope the stresses of life, such as financial problems, relationship breakups, or chronic pain and illness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Suicidal behavior is also closely related to conflict, tragedy, violence, abuse, or loss, as well as feelings of loneliness. Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups facing prejudice, including refugees and migrants, indigenous peoples, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) people, and prisoners. A previous suicide attempt is by far the most important risk factor for suicide.
Pesticide self-poisoning is believed to account for approximately 20% of suicides worldwide, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas of low- and middle-income countries. Other prevalent suicide techniques include hanging and weapons.
According to the WHO, suicide accounts for around one million deaths worldwide each year, with 20-25 attempts for every suicide death. According to the Global Health Observatory, the global age-standardized suicide rate is 11.4 per 100,000 people, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among people aged 15-29.
In Nigeria, the rate is set at 9.5/100,000. It has been significantly linked to depression, as well as drug abuse, either directly or indirectly.
Although suicide is not a new phenomenon on a global or local scale, there is growing concern that adolescent suicide is on the rise. This is especially worrying for countries with a young population, such as Nigeria, where they represent a sizeable proportion of the population and are the most productive age group. Suicide has serious ramifications for economic progress.
According to studies, the rate rises from 0.6/100,000 among those under 14 years of age to 6.9/100,000 among those between 15 and 19 years of age. It is estimated that suicide attempts among adolescents reach 12%.
Nigeria is not the only nation where suicide rates are rising. According to the National Crime Record Office, thousands of young people commit suicide in India every year. They accounted for 6.7% of all suicides in 2015, resulting in a death toll of around 9,000. The pressure to do well in school is the fault of some professionals, parents, and the government.
According to a study, more young people in the United States (US), particularly girls, are attempting suicide by poisoning.
