Suicide or attempts not an option

Recent media reports of two Nigerians who committed suicide are worrisome, as they tend to buttress the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate that 703,000 people commit suicide yearly; and that for every suicide, there are suicide attempts by 25 persons, and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. The global health institution also said that over 77 per cent of global cases are recorded in low-and middle-income countries in 2019. Although suicide is a global problem, it is a paradox for Nigeria that was reputed to be home to the happiest people worldwide.

A 19-year-old student of Ipetu-Ijesa College of Technology, Osun, Olonade Tomiwa, committed suicide in Ilesa; and a staff member of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Carter Oshodin, also committed suicide in Umelu area of Upper Sakponba over unfavourable financial conditions. Oshodin had not been paid salaries for months due to the strike action embarked upon by university unions.

These two cases show that suicide in the country cuts across demographic divides and is classless – from undergraduates to working-class citizens. Suicide statistics cover everyone: rich or poor; old or young; employed or unemployed, educated or uneducated; and suicidal feelings can affect anyone, of any age, religion, culture, geography, income level, background or gender, at any time.

The suicide incidences in Nigeria should be a source of concern to all, because suicide has a deep consequence not just to the deceased person but also towards the bereaved, the community and the nation. Apart from throwing the living into mourning, sudden loss of a loved one plunges the dependents into economic deprivation and psychological trauma. This, added to the fact that no one has a right to take his own life, may be why Nigeria’s Constitution criminalises its attempt.

However, records show that criminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, has neither discouraged victims from attempting it nor stopped the eventual commission of the act.

On the contrary, experts have raised alarm over the effect of criminalisation of suicide attempts as a way of stemming the tide of incidences, which according to them is worsening the problem rather than solving it. Nigeria is seen as one of the few countries that still criminalises attempted suicide, which is against the spirit of the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), observed every September 10 and dedicated to preventing suicide in the society. It focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organisations, governments, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.

Suicide most often is a result of depression or other mental illness; a tragic reaction to stressful life situations. Many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses and challenges, such as losing a loved one, a job, a setback, substantial reputational damage or financial problems occasioned by poverty; relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness. Another factor is bad governance, which has heightened unemployment, school closure and poor access to health care service, in this instance people with mental health issue.

In line with WHO’s call for global action to prevent suicide, there is the need for coordination and collaboration among multiple sectors, including health, education, labour, agriculture, business, justice, law, defence, politics, and the media. The multiplicity of interventions primarily should emanate from individuals, families, religious institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs) and government.

Individual contemplating suicide should know that their family and friends still love them; They should seek help in times of dissonance because suicidal feelings are fleeting. That is the time to talk about their feelings, reach out to a loved one; call a help line; see a doctor or other health care provider. Suicide is a health issue and should be handled like other ailments; or contact a minister, spiritual leader or someone in their faith community. These can help regain perspective.

Family members should show love and care for one another. Relatives and friends should be more communal by having a sense of others; and showing little kindness to those in difficulty. Family members should diligently monitor those who nurse suicidal feelings through sensitivity, confidentiality, and genuine empathy and recommend them to therapists. Relatives and friends of those who attempted suicide should avoid being judgmental; rather listen actively, show empathy and avoid stigmatization. Also, there should be limited access to the means of suicide such as pesticides, firearms and certain medications.

Religious institutions and leaders should play positive roles as places of hope, succor and refuge; instead of being an economic pressure point which may also be another predisposing factor. Religious institutions should focus more on spiritual rather than economic (prosperity) messages.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health; the media and health-focused NGOs should aggressively sensitize Nigerians on suicide prevention and response to suicide attempts. Government should also provide suicide hotline for immediate help; while the media should be responsible while reporting cases of suicide to avoid stigmatisation, and promote conversation about mental health issues and suicide.

Given that the economic situation is a major issue and cause of suicide, the Nigerian governments at all levels should foster socio-emotional life skills in young people by ensuring that they have functional education; and create the enabling environment for job creation to address hopelessness, which is a major driver of suicide. The Federal Government should rethink and recognize that attempted suicide is psychosocial problem requiring a humane solution; and treat citizens who attempt suicide with empathy and as a health challenge. Therefore, laws criminalizing attempted suicide should be reviewed in line with modern system that protects the dignity of patients suffering from depression; and in tandem with the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) from 2021 – 2023: “Creating hope through action.” There is indeed an alternative to suicide.