On the 1st of September 2024, a 300 Level Medical student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) was reported dead just a day before he was to start his Medical Board Examination. He was suspected to have taken his own life when some of his colleagues had reported that he posted a cryptic message, ‘goodbye,’ before he was found dead. This is just one of the numerous cases of suicide reported around the world.
Suicide is a major public health problem globally and has devastating socio-economic and emotional consequences. According to WHO, 700,000 people take their own lives every year globally. This makes suicide the third leading cause of death globally. Due to the stigma attached to suicide, the exact values are expected to be higher than this. Suicide shows no discrimination and affects all age, gender, and backgrounds. Suicide rates are higher in males than in females, but surprisingly, females are more prone to attempting suicide than males.
According to Samaritians.org, a recent poll found that only 45% of people felt comfortable talking to family and friends about suicidal thoughts compared to 74% who said they felt comfortable talking about mental health. Therefore, the theme of this year aims to eradicate the associated stigma and silence of suicide and encourage individuals to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal thoughts.
Suicidal thoughts can be frustrating and confusing but they are actually very common. Infact, 1 in 5 people will experience suicidal thoughts. Here are some few tips that can be taken to prevent suicidal thoughts:
Ask for help: when suicidal thoughts come to your mind or you feel tired of living, seek for emotional support from friends and family. If possible do seek for medical care too.
Avoid harmful weapons: during tough times and suicidal thoughts creep in, avoid harmful chemicals and weapons that can easily kill you. Stay safe with people that can protect you from yourself. Tough times don’t last only tough people do.
Try to stay calm and relaxed: even when things are going against you, try to stay calm and relaxed at all times.
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), marked each year on 10th of September, is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO) as co-sponsor. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented.
The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” with the call to action “Start the Conversation”. The theme aims to show people that sharing their difficult feelings, including suicidal thoughts is nothing scary.
If you are looking for how you can play a role in preventing suicide, you can do this by watching out for changes in behaviours from your friends and colleagues. Give that “urgent 2k” to your friend in need. Lastly, when you check their statuses and see statements such as, “goodbye”, “aye ti sun mi o ( I’m tired of life)”, “abi kin sa lo ni (should I run away)”, don’t put it off as a joke; check up on them. You will be saving lives, one life at a time.
