On a bright Wednesday afternoon, a blind 65-year-old man named Ewenla Adetomiwa was saved from jumping into the lagoon along the Third Mainland Bridge. His reason for attempting suicide? The overwhelming financial pressure on his family. While Ewenla was rescued, others haven’t been as fortunate.
Last year, a woman known only as Mama Dada tragically ended her life by setting herself on fire. She was unable to repay a N70,000 debt, and the desperation led her to take this fatal step, burning down her entire house in Abeokuta, Ogun State. More recently, 32-year-old Oluwaseun Shorinola hanged himself in his home due to the economic hardships facing the country.
These heartbreaking stories emphasize the growing issue of suicide, not just in Nigeria but worldwide. To address this, September 10 is recognized as World Suicide Prevention Day, an initiative led by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) and the World Health Organization (WHO). For 2024–2026, the theme is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” with the key message: “Start the Conversation.”
Suicide, the act of taking one’s life due to overwhelming challenges, is not limited to any particular group, race, or region. According to the WHO, over 720,000 people die by suicide each year globally—equating to one person every 40 seconds. In Africa, Nigeria ranks 13th in suicide mortality rates, with men slightly more affected than women.
Counseling psychologist Mrs. Damilola Onebamhoin, also known as Coach D, asserts that one of the primary reasons people contemplate suicide is the absence of a solid support system. She explains that suicidal thoughts do not form overnight; instead, they build up over time.
Coach D advises that individuals surround themselves with caring, genuine people who can help ease the burden of mental stress. This can act as a protective shield against feelings of hopelessness.
“Suicidal thoughts often thrive in isolation,” she said. “Depression, isolation, and mental health are all connected. When people are left alone in their thoughts, it can become a dangerous cycle.”
She further explained that depression can cause people to isolate themselves, making them more vulnerable to alcohol and drug abuse. In many cases, this worsens their mental state.
According to Coach D, societal pressures play a significant role in causing depression and suicidal thoughts. For example, societal norms often set expectations for marriage, career achievements, or having children by a particular age. These expectations can lead people to feel like failures when they fall short.
“Many people experience a mid-life crisis because of society’s expectations. For instance, the belief that you should be married by age 30,” she explained. “When someone is in their mid-30s and has experienced several failed relationships, they may start to feel like they haven’t achieved anything in life.”
Coach D also emphasized the need for the government to step up and provide free mental health counseling services. In advanced countries, there are often free counseling hotlines available for anyone feeling distressed. In Nigeria, however, many people do not have access to this kind of support.
“If we had a free counseling hotline, it could save lives,” Coach D said. “Sometimes, people don’t feel comfortable talking to their family about their struggles, so having a neutral person to call would make a difference.”
To prevent suicide, Coach D encourages people to surround themselves with positive influences and avoid getting stuck in their problems. She also suggests focusing on personal growth and avoiding unhealthy comparisons with others.
In conclusion, the rise in suicide cases highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and support systems in Nigeria. By starting conversations and creating a culture of support, we can help those struggling with suicidal thoughts before it’s too late.
