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depression and ultimately suicide. Issues such as widespread social media use and high rates of stress have also been linked to increased suicide rates in Nigeria. The need to catch up with the Joneses and to put on a show that indeed all is well when it is not, has a tendency to take a toll on individuals and can lead to suicide.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 years old. The issue of social media has also been linked to these statistics. This is in addition to issues like bullying and identity confusion which can put a strain on a budding young mind and can invariably lead to suicide. Additionally, they are also at risk for drug and substance abuse which can also lead to suicide.
Finally, the poor healthcare system and consequently, the lack of access to mental health care can be attributed to an increase in the rate of suicide. If people are unable to see when issues are still mild, the odds of it becoming severe and leading to suicide become higher.
There is also the issue of copycat suicide whereby, a publicly announced case of suicide leads to more suicide cases. For this, I will say the media has a huge role to play in reporting suicide cases responsibly. This is because you never know who is vulnerable and this can make them take their lives without thinking of the ripple effect. Copycat suicide has been glamorised and people see it as normal. Once we know of anyone with the warning signs or red flags, let’s listen to them non-judgmentally and help them find solution to them. Parents shouldn’t dismiss their talk of suicide
People who die by suicide don’t want to die, but to end their pain. So, parents shouldn’t dismiss their talk of suicide as just threats. If they notice any signs that they may be thinking about harming themselves, parents should help their children get help. Some of these warning signs are talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself, looking for a way to kill oneself, talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose, talking about feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, talking about being a burden to others, increasing use of alcohol or drugs, acting anxious, agitated, or reckless, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawing or feeling isolated, showing rage or talking about seeking revenge and displaying extreme mood swings.
Speak out when going through challenges
A suicidal person can be healed but you need to find out what made the person to be suicidal in the first place and that’s why we keep telling people to speak out when going through challenges. Talking to a trusted family member, friend and even to a therapist helps. Most times, these individuals are depressed, hence the thoughts of suicide and completed suicide in some cases.
Domestic violence connected to mental illness
When it comes to domestic violence, it is a risk factor for some people to develop mental illness such as anxiety, depression, among others. One of the factors is coming from a dysfunctional family setting where violence is the order of the day and in that space, the man is mainly the abuser while the woman is the abusee. The fact that there is domestic violence, this woman who is a natural nurturer, because we have the hormones (estrogen) and that is who we are, then begin to start nurturing the children with hatred, bitterness, resentment and this is because of the violence they face from their husbands.
Why hit a woman in the first case?
The question is why hit a woman in the first case. Why not talk things out or you walk away. If given a second chance, it may keep on happening and the truth is, a woman beater may always be a woman beater and the question is why? It’s a whole lot of rot out there and you feel you can change a grown adult you didn’t train or don’t know what he is dealing with, this may lead to death. So, I will say, leave because your life is precious, but if you must stay, find out why he is doing this and help him get the much needed help. They can be helped. Global recognition
I am a Goldman Sachs scholar, Vital Voices Fellow, Ashoka Change Maker and global thought leader. I have been recognised locally and globally for my movement in the field of health and wellness, especially mental health. I am a global affiliate of Work Place Options ( United States and United Kingdom) and provides Critical Incidence Stress Management ( CISM) and other forms of employee assistance programmes to corporate organisations worldwide. My driving force is to live, to learn and to impact generations positively. When not working as a Physician, I love to tour the world, work on disruptive innovations and talk fashion.