Years back while I was a child, the word, ‘suicide’ – and the act in itself – was the most unthinkable harm I imagined anyone subjecting himself/herself to. The notion that Nigerians cherish life and would rather fight on than end it all was one that filled my subconscious as I grew up but down the line, my understanding has been broaden and the reality [of suicide] is now so gross to brush aside. News media have reported different cases of suicide – from distraught individuals who jumped into the lagoon to those that have swallowed poisonous substances – and so have we come across online videos of victims plunging into the abyss of forgetfulness without anyone making a successful bid of talking them out of the suicidal attempt.
The stats before us are quite startling that one cannot but take notice. According to the World Health Organisation, the suicide rate in Nigeria is 15 per 100,000, and the report also stated that 79% of suicides are traceable to countries that fall in the low and middle income categories. Though most persons in Nigeria have often attributed the rising incidence of suicides in Nigeria to economic hardships; there are quite a number of factors that could drive an individual into becoming suicidal. Other individual and situational factors such as stigmatization, abuse, mental illness, emotional breakdown, mental and terminal illnesses have also been highlighted as possible causes. However, somewhere in between is the likelihood of ‘lovelessness’ and negligence serving as primers for suicide.
What can we do?
Nigeria’s case may not be as worse as what is obtainable in nations like Lithuania, Sri Lanka, Equatorial Guinea and some others but anyone who regards the sacredness of life will understand that there’s a need to act promptly in order to curb the rising trend of suicide in the land. Surely, it is hard to get into the mind of the suicidal person to know what he/she plans to do within the next instance but there’s something we can do.
The way out is not necessarily about creating some bogus ‘happiness’ ministries – in fact, Bhutan, a nation that celebrates a Gross National Happiness Day, still records a suicide rate of 11.2 per 100,000 – but rather getting down to LOVE [and look out for] one another in a genuine manner irrespective of ethnic or religious orientation. And without trying to be preachy here; love is a spiritual inclination that ought to guide the way individuals relate with one another. Many palliative measures towards curbing the plague of suicide may be established but should love be thrown in the backwaters, much far-reaching results will remain elusive.
The love of the nation and the citizenry in the hearts of government officials should make them implement policies and develop structures that would help the standard of living of the people. Again, on individual basis; each and every one of us must learn how to build a thriving relationship with one another, and help anyone who may be experiencing a crisis manage his/her situation effectively. And in showing love, we must have a grasp of some of its characteristics [in the pure form]. At this point, I shall some words from the Holy Bible which says; it says love suffers long and is kind…does not seek its own, is not provoked…and does not fail. This is what someone around you needs to have a rethink and embrace LIFE vibrantly once again.
So, as we observe the WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY, let us be mindful of the downtrodden who would not so much raise his/her brow because life is not happening for him/her; you can be your brother’s keeper and make his world a better place to live.
SUICIDE IS PREVENTABLE…BUT ONLY IF WE ACT IN THE WAY OF LOVE…LOVE CONQUERS ALL.