#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Poverty, Societal Pressure, Major Causes Of #Depression, #Suicide – Experts

By Godfrey George

Some #mentalhealthexperts have identified societal pressure, among others, as a major cause of #suicide in Nigeria.

They urged members of society to be kinder to persons showing signs of #depression and other #mentalillnesses so as not to lead them to #suicide.

The #WorldHealthOrganization had revealed that Nigeria has the highest suicidal rate among African countries with over 17, 000 lives lost to #suicide in a year.

In a new report that estimated the cases of #suicide globally, #WHO noted that across the world, one person takes their life every 40 seconds.

In 2022 alone, there have been multiple reports of suicides in Nigeria. Investigations have shown that there has been an upsurge in #suicide, especially among young people in the last 24 months. Reports reviewed by Sunday PUNCH showed that no fewer than 74 persons died by #suicide within the period under review.

Reacting, a senior lecturer, Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Dr Johnbosco Chukworji, said the economic situation in the country has pushed a lot of #youths below the poverty line.

According to him, this has made many #youths confused and depressed, noting that these feelings may culminate in #suicidalthoughts if not handled properly.

“The economy of the country is a major factor. There is poverty in the land and this has caused a lot of people to be confused about life. Sadness, which may compound into #depression, is the case if left uncontrolled.

“Society is also not helping with the many pressures on every side. Many #youths are under so much pressure to make money quickly. #Socialmedia is not helping. I feel that society should be kinder to these #youths.

“When they begin to show signs of #depression and #suicide, family members should draw them close and show them love. Society should be more accepting and individuals who suspect any of these signs and symptoms listed above should visit any of the many psychotherapists that are in Nigeria and run an assessment for as little money as one can use to get lunch,” Chukworji added.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle

Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

A senior #psychologist and researcher at Remz Institute, Uyo, Awka Ibom State, Usen Essien, on his part, said due to low awareness of #mentalhealthissues in Nigeria, #stigma had become a problem for people battling #depression.

“Battling #depression in Nigeria is not easy at all. There are a lot of dimensions to it. Apart from the #financial dimensions, there is the social dimension that deals with #stigma.

“When these individuals suffering from the condition go seeking help, they do not go to the right person. They begin by going to see a general medical practitioner or a religious leader who may not have the right answers. Everyone needs to help people living with #mentalillness heal by reducing the pressure and demands on others around them,” he added.