Suicide is a tragic reality that claims a life around the world every 40 seconds. With nearly 1 billion people living with a mental disorder, the urgency to tackle this problem has never been greater.
Nigeria, a country of more than 200 million people, is facing its own mental health crisis, with approximately 50 million Nigerians suffering from a mental illness, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Despite these alarming numbers, mental health remains neglected in the field of public health. According to a WHO report, more than 75 percent of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders do not receive treatment.
Psychiatrists said suicide has long been part of Nigeria’s social landscape, but cultural biases and restrictive laws have historically obscured its true prevalence. Nigeria reported 9.5 suicides per 100,000 people in 2016, rising to 15 per 100,000 people in 2018. However, these numbers may be underestimates due to social taboos and legal implications surrounding suicide attempts.
Experts say a multifaceted approach is needed to address this growing crisis. He advocated for various government departments, including health, labor and social services, to work together to strengthen mental health support through community-based services and improving family and neighborhood relationships.
Professor Taiwo James Obindo, former president of the Nigerian Association of Psychiatrists, stressed that depression is a serious precursor to suicide. He said about 90% of people who attempt suicide have a mental health problem, 80% of which are due to depression.
Obindo also said stress, exacerbated by Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges, is a major cause of mental illness. He suggested that existing statistics may be outdated and the real number of Nigerians suffering from mental health problems is likely to be much higher.
In response to the growing mental health crisis, the Nigerian government is taking steps to more effectively address the issue. The Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Care, Professor Ali Pate, announced that the government is working to decriminalize suicide attempts.
The initiative is part of the National Suicide Strategy Framework (2023-2030), which aims to align Nigeria’s policies with international best practices. The framework focuses on supportive rather than punitive measures and aims to improve access to mental health services.
Pate acknowledged that Nigeria’s suicide rate is alarmingly high, especially among young people aged 15 to 29, who account for 40% of all suicide deaths in Africa. He noted that bias and inaccurate reporting often distort the true picture of suicide rates, urging a shift toward openness and empathy.
Dr. Walter Mulombo, WHO country representative, echoed this sentiment, saying that for every person who commits suicide, 20 others are likely to have attempted suicide, and many more have serious suicidal thoughts. he emphasized. He advocates for changing the narrative around suicide from tragedy and stigma to prevention and support.
He said by starting dialogue and prioritizing mental health in policy-making, Nigeria can foster a culture of understanding and care.
As Nigeria faces this pressing issue, it is clear that collective efforts are needed to address mental health issues and prevent suicide. It is hoped that through government efforts, social support and open dialogue, Nigeria can stem the tide of this devastating scourge and build a more caring society for all.
