Stemming The Scourge Of Suicide: Nigeria’s Mental Health Crisis

Suicide is a tragic reality that claims a life every 40 seconds globally. With nearly one billion people suffering from mental disorders, the urgency to address this issue has never been greater.

Nigeria, a country of over 200 million people, grapples with its own mental health crisis, with around 50 million Nigerians affected by mental illness, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Despite this alarming figure, mental health remains a neglected sector in public health. Over 75 percent of individuals with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders receive no treatment, WHO reports.

Psychiatrists have said that while suicide has long been a part of Nigeria’s social landscape, cultural stigmas and restrictive laws have historically obscured its true prevalence. 9.5 per 100,000 people suicide case was reported in Nigeria in 2016, which rose to 15 per 100,000 by 2018. These numbers, however, may be underestimated due to societal taboos and legal repercussions surrounding suicide attempts.

Addressing this growing crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, according to experts. He advocated for a combined effort from various government ministries, including health, labour, and social services, to enhance mental health support through community-based services and improved family and neighborhood relations.

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Former president of the Psychiatrists Association of Nigeria, Prof. Taiwo James Obindo, highlighted depression as a significant precursor to suicide. He states that about 90 percent of those who attempt suicide have mental health issues, with 80 percent of these cases attributed to depression.

Obindo also cites stress exacerbated by Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges as a major contributor to mental illness. He suggested that existing statistics might be outdated and that the actual number of Nigerians struggling with mental health issues is likely higher.

In response to the escalating mental health crisis, the Nigerian government is taking steps to address the issue more effectively. Coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, announced that the government is working on decriminalising attempted suicide.

This initiative is part of the National Suicide Strategic Framework (2023-2030), which aims to align Nigeria’s policies with international best practices. The framework emphasizes supportive measures rather than punishment and seeks to improve access to mental health services.

Pate acknowledges that suicide rates in Nigeria are alarmingly high, especially among young people aged 15 to 29, who account for 40 percent of all suicide deaths in Africa. He points out that stigma and inaccurate reporting often skew the true picture of suicide prevalence, urging a shift towards openness and empathy.

WHO Country Representative, Dr. Walter Mulombo, echoes this sentiment, emphasising that for every suicide, there are likely 20 other people who attempt it and many more who have serious suicidal thoughts. He advocates for changing the the narrative around suicide from one of tragedy and stigma to one of prevention and support.

By initiating conversations and prioritising mental health in policy-making, Nigeria can foster a culture of understanding and care, he said.

As Nigeria confronts this pressing issue, it is clear that a collective effort is needed to tackle mental health challenges and prevent suicides. Through government initiatives, societal support, and open dialogue, there is hope that Nigeria can stem the tide of this devastating scourge and build a more compassionate society for all.