Nigeria has been ranked sixth globally among countries with the highest suicide rates, according to Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, a Consultant Psychiatrist at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife. Akinsulore made this revelation during a lecture on suicide prevention held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on Monday.

The event, organized by The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, was themed “Navigating the Storm: Unraveling the Intricacies of Suicides Amongst Students” and aimed to address the growing mental health crisis, particularly among students.

The Alarming Statistics on Suicide in Nigeria

During his lecture, Akinsulore revealed that 79% of suicides in Nigeria are committed by men, while women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. He emphasized that the issue is particularly dire among young people, with suicide ranking as the third leading cause of death globally among individuals aged 15 to 29 in 2021.

“Suicide is not just a personal tragedy; it has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences for families and communities,” Akinsulore stated. He urged for an all-hands-on-deck approach to mitigate the rising rates of suicide, particularly in educational institutions.

Factors Contributing to Suicide

Akinsulore outlined various factors contributing to suicidal behavior, focusing on those related to school environments and broader societal issues:

School-Related Risk Factors

1. Access Barriers to Psychological Care: Limited access to mental health resources in schools makes it difficult for students to seek professional help.
2. Stigma and Discrimination: Students with disabilities, physical differences, or mental health issues often face stigmatization, which exacerbates their struggles.
3. Academic Pressures: The high expectations for academic performance can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure.
4. Lack of Supportive Environments: Schools that do not foster inclusivity and provide emotional support contribute to students’ feelings of isolation.

Broader Risk Factors

1. Mental Health Disorders: Depression and anxiety remain the leading drivers of suicidal ideation.
2. Substance Abuse: The use of drugs and alcohol often worsens mental health conditions.
3. Previous Suicide Attempts: A history of self-injury or suicide attempts increases vulnerability.
4. Loneliness and Isolation: Students who feel disconnected from their peers or families are at heightened risk.
5. Chronic Illnesses: Long-term health conditions can lead to emotional distress and hopelessness.
6. Access to Lethal Means: Easy access to harmful tools or substances can escalate suicidal thoughts into actions.

Protective Measures Against Suicide

Akinsulore highlighted factors that could shield individuals from suicidal ideation, stressing the importance of fostering environments that support mental well-being:

1. Strong Parental Support: A nurturing family environment helps students navigate emotional challenges.
2. Social Involvement: Encouraging students to participate in social activities can alleviate feelings of isolation.
3. Mentorship Programs: Role models and mentors provide guidance and emotional support.
4. Accessible Student Support Services: Schools must prioritize psychological services and counseling as part of their core operations.

A Call to Action: Tackling Suicide Through Collective Responsibility

Emphasizing that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility, Akinsulore urged schools, communities, and stakeholders to work together to create supportive and inclusive environments.

“Combatting stigma, ensuring access to mental health resources, and fostering open conversations about mental health are crucial steps to addressing the suicide crisis,” he said. He called for immediate and sustained efforts to integrate mental health education into school curricula and train educators to recognize warning signs in students.

Remarks from Still Waters Mental Health Foundation

Dr. Oyewole A. Olutunmise, the Founder of The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, echoed Akinsulore’s sentiments, emphasizing the power of unity in tackling mental health challenges.

“This gathering reminds us of the power of unity in addressing one of the most critical issues of our time—suicide and mental health challenges. The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation was borne from the belief that no one should face their struggles alone,” Dr. Olutunmise said.

He commended the support of programme sponsors, the organizing committee, and other stakeholders, urging society to replace silence with open conversations and foster hope for the future.

Suicide Prevention: A Way Forward

Both experts stressed the need to adopt proactive measures to address the rising suicide rates in Nigeria. They recommended:

1. Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: Increasing awareness about mental health issues and suicide prevention through community outreach and media campaigns.
2. Counseling Services in Schools: Establishing well-funded counseling centers in all educational institutions.
3. Early Intervention Programs: Identifying and addressing mental health issues before they escalate.
4. Legislative Support: Advocating for policies that prioritize mental health care and fund suicide prevention programs.

The Bigger Picture

Nigeria’s ranking as the sixth-highest country for suicide rates highlights a growing public health crisis that cannot be ignored. The efforts of organizations like The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation and experts like Prof. Akinsulore and Dr. Olutunmise serve as a reminder of the urgent need for collective action. By fostering open dialogue, reducing stigma, and investing in mental health resources, Nigeria can begin to tackle this challenge and ensure a brighter, healthier future for its youth.