Rising Cases: No Justification For Suicide – Psychiatrists Warn Nigerians

Following several reports of suicide rate across the country, some mental health practitioners has urged Nigerians to take life easy and develop positive coping, adaptive mechanisms rather than considering negative thoughts when faced with challenges.

There are no life difficulties, according to some mental health professionals, to justify anyone committing suicide.

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In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos, the practitioners disclosed this.

Concerned about the recent spike in suicides in the nation, the practitioners argued that since difficulties in life are inevitable, there should never be a choice to take one’s own life.

According to Dr Veronica Nyamali, National Vice-President, Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria (APN), life should also be seen from a mixed angle of good, sweet and bad.

Nyamali also voiced worry about the numerous difficulties, such as economic downturns and hardships, that exist in Nigeria.

She expressed regret that some people who faced such difficulties thought about suicide, turned to drug misuse, or behaved immorally.

Proffering solutions, the psychiatrist called for mental health education to make people understand that life exists with challenges.

She further urged people to constantly surround themselves with positive people, sharing worries, speaking out and seeking for help as options that could help in time of challenges.

Additionally, according to consultant neuropsychiatrist Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, most suicide attempts and suicides are the result of mental health or psycho-social issues.

Anxiety, sadness, aggression, and hopelessness are just a few of the psycho-social issues that Kadiri, the medical director of Pinnacle Medical Services Ltd., identified among others.

She also identified other symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, losing interest in previously enjoyed activities, feeling consistently unworthy, and decreasing one’s appetite.

She continued by saying that one of the reasons for suicide was an increase in urban migration, which in her opinion can lead to an increase in psycho-social issues.

Since suicide is not a medical condition that can be diagnosed, Kadiri claimed that it may be completely prevented.

She claims that there are several steps that can be taken to prevent suicide, such as government intervention and limiting access to resources like pesticides, weapons, and specific pharmaceuticals.