The Head, Clinical Psychology Department, Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, Dr Tayo Ajirotutu; a United States-based Child, Adolescent & Adult Psychiatrist, Dr Stella Bassey-Okoronkwo and other individuals have called for more awareness on mental illness in Nigeria, saying suicide incidents have continued to rise especially during COVID-19 pandemic.
They also urged the government at all levels to ensure schools, have at least, one psychologist on their staff list emphasizing, that the ideal would be the duo of a counsellor and mental health practitioner, adding that religious bodies should also create a mental health unit manned by mental health experts at their religious centres in order to reduce the rate of suicide in the country.
Speaking at the inaugural virtual meeting of a non-governmental organization, Suicide Is No Solution (SINS) with the theme: “Talking Suicide 1.0: Causes, Signs and Prevention,” the experts called for the review of the law punishing individuals who attempt suicide, stressing that such individuals needed care and support instead of prosecution.
The experts posited that there should be adequate training for counsellors in schools and religious organisations to manage the youths especially those with depression signs that could lead to suicide.
Dr Tayo Ajirotutu, the Lead Presenter at the meeting, stated that death by suicide has been on for decades and generations but has become a serious issue in Nigeria in the past four years skyrocketing during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The psychiatrist called for more education and enlightenment on suicide amongst Nigerian citizens and commended the Suicide Is No Solution (SINS) initiative.
He noted that individuals with suicidal tendencies and signs must be referred to experts, urging religious organisations and schools to train counsellors on required skills to counsel people with depression.
According to him: “Suicide begins with thoughts and behaviours and it is the second leading cause of death especially among the youths. The signs include someone either talking about killing himself, feeling of hopelessness, loneliness and rejection or having no reason to live and low self-esteem. Financial factors, traumatic reasons, prolonged stress, relationship and education issues, inability to meet targets, issues at work, home or religious organisations are other causes of suicide.”
Dr Ajirotutu warned that the issue of suicide cannot be confidential as family members and mental health experts must be involved, saying “If you want to kill yourself, identify why you want to, and look for another way out rather than taking your own life.” he said.
Source
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/06/suicide-experts-call-for-more-awareness-of-mental-illness/
Comments
Post a Comment