A psychiatrist with the Federal Neuro-psychiatric Hospital Yaba, Lagos, has advocated increased awareness on mental health as an antidote to rising cases of suicide in Nigeria.
The immediate past Vice-President, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN), Dr Veronica Nyamali, made the recommendation in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.
According to her, there is still a high level of ignorance about mental health especially at the grassroots.
“Lack of adequate knowledge on when or where to seek quality mental healthcare is still an issue.”
Nyamali said that suicide is a tragedy that affects families, communities and the entire society with long-lasting effects on the people left behind.
“Mental health condition is a major risk factor for suicide.
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“The mental health status of a person is critical to living, as it is a major determinant of choices on how one relates with others.
“It also determines how people handle stress, depression and challenges in life,” she said.
She said that the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that more than 800,000 people die annually by suicide in the world, with Nigeria ranking among the top 10 countries in Africa.
She added that the Global Health Observatory Data Repository also estimated that 9.5 suicides per 100,000 occur in Nigeria.
The psychiatrist, who emphasised the need for more advocacy, awareness and education campaigns, said if the public is well informed, the rate of suicide will drop.
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She called for increased public enlightenment on mental health, depression and how to recognise and deal with it to avoid suicide ideas and other negative choices.
Nyamali explained that campaigns for suicide prevention should emphasise help-seeking, reduction in stigma, positive behavioural change, and availability of resources for treatments among others.
“Depression is a common and serious mental health challenge that affects the way one thinks, feels and acts.
“The more people are aware of their mental health issues, the more they will be able to utilise mental health skills and prevent suicide as well as handle depression,” she said.
She stressed the need for the public, particularly parents and schools, to monitor and recognise early signs when someone is struggling with mental health issues and support such a person faster.
NAN
