As the second son in a family of six, Chima, a 26-year-old creative designer, works as a freelancer. His parents are still alive and well, and he enjoys close relationships with his siblings. His parents stayed in Edo state, but he migrated to Lagos for better chances after completing his youth service. The three siblings hardly ever see each other, even though two of his siblings also live in Lagos and are constantly focused on their jobs.

In just two years after relocating to Lagos, Chima established himself as a freelancer and, thanks to his exquisite creations, shot to the top of his clients’ lists of recommended artists. Because he loved creating and playing with color, he was constantly excited to take on new projects and customers. But during his third year in Lagos, he started to lose motivation. He also started to feel exhausted all the time, had trouble sleeping, and found it difficult to focus on his work. He ceased accepting new clients and found it difficult to finish the assignments he was given. He fell into a deep depression, but everyone around him saw that he was likely just tired from driving himself so hard at work. His friends arrived to this conclusion. That terrible day, he took his own life, and left a note of apology for hs family.

When word got out that he had committed suicide, everyone was stunned. Chima was viewed by many as a cheerful, gregarious man who was enjoying success in his professional life as well as other aspects of his life. He was well-built and well-paid. How could he possibly discard all of that? Although they had spoken with him the week before, his older siblings in Lagos were filled with remorse for not having seen him in a long time. His parents were particularly distraught.

Conversation

The awful reality of preventable and agonizing loss of precious human life due to suicide, as exemplified by Chima’s case, persists. Every year, one million people attempt suicide and one million people die by suicide worldwide. This suggests that somewhere on Earth, a person takes their own life every forty seconds. However, we are aware that suicide can never be avoided. Consequently, September 10 has been designated as a day of awareness raising for suicide prevention each year.

According to estimates, every suicide death has an average impact on at least 138 individuals from a variety of social contexts, including friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, and schools. Given that there are about a million suicides annually, 138 million individuals must be directly impacted by suicide deaths. It should be evident right away that suicide prevention is currently a legitimate public health goal.

How Can We Be of Assistance?

“Creating hope through action” is the global suicide prevention theme for this year. All of us can do something and be there for someone.

i). Individuals: If you have a suspicion that a particular person is in danger, don’t discount it. Make sure someone is with them at all times and don’t leave them alone. Tell them you are thinking of them. Specific planning evidence is a critical indicator of purpose and should raise an immediate alarm for action. Finally, kindly make the extra effort to see that they have a professional examination from a licensed mental health practitioner (clinical psychologist or psychiatrist).

ii). Community: It is beneficial to raise public awareness and educate the public about suicide and other mental health issues while also lessening the widespread stigma that is connected with them. Particularly beneficial in this context are the community awareness rallies organized by the Asido Foundation and the public awareness campaigns run by non-governmental organizations like the Suicide Prevention Initiative in Nigeria (SURPIN).

iii). Media: A significant part of preventing suicide is also played by the media. Releasing all the graphic details ought to be kept to a minimum. Even though this is undoubtedly significant news, tragedies like these also offer a valuable opportunity to educate people about risk factors and where to get assistance. The message should focus on the reality that, with the right support and care, people suffering from depression can get well and make positive changes in their lives. Let’s take action to instill hope for the living.

iv). Schools: Regardless of each student’s unique temperament or disposition, the educational environment should support their growth and learning. Adolescents with weak egos and low self-esteem may suffer greatly from bullying, mocking, and public humiliations.
vi) Social Support Network: Having a support system, which includes amiable and considerate neighbors, religious organizations, a close-knit group of friends and coworkers, and participation in social activities like sports, is also beneficial and protective.

In closing, let’s all work to spread optimism by acting morally wherever we go. It is just not an option to do nothing. Life is unique and priceless.