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Police Commissioner Launches Weapon and Riot Control Training for FCT Officers Democracy Radio
Breaking the Silence on Suicide Could Help Save Lives
By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Behind every suicide is a story—one often hidden behind forced smiles, unspoken struggles, and a silence too heavy to bear.
As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Suicide Prevention Day, mental health advocates are emphasizing one powerful truth: breaking that silence could save lives.
Every 43 seconds, somewhere in the world, someone dies by suicide. That staggering statistic is more than just a number—it represents real people, real families, and real battles often fought alone.
Changing the Narrative
This year’s theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” calls for compassion, reform, and a culture that encourages people to speak openly about their struggles.
“Mental illness, trauma, and emotional pain—not cowardice or weakness—are often at the root of suicide,” explained Onyekwue Francis, a mental health advocate. He argued that society must stop treating suicide as taboo and instead foster empathy and understanding.
One of his strongest appeals is for the decriminalization of attempted suicide in Nigeria. Currently, survivors often face criminal charges, a practice Francis warns only deepens despair instead of offering hope. “What people need is help, not punishment,” he said.
He also urged the media to practice responsible reporting, avoiding sensational headlines or graphic details that may inadvertently push vulnerable individuals further into harm’s way.
Recognizing the Signs
Francis noted that suicide rarely happens without warning. “Sudden withdrawal, isolation, drastic changes in eating or sleeping habits, and constant references to death are red flags we should never ignore,” he cautioned.
For many Nigerians, suicide is tied to depression, financial hardship, family issues, or emotional distress. In a vox pop conducted by Democracy Radio in Abuja, residents shared that while suicide is never a solution, it often reflects a tragic cry for help when hope feels out of reach.
A Gaping Hole in Support Systems
Beyond individual struggles, the discussions spotlighted Nigeria’s inadequate mental health infrastructure. Unlike physical health, where hospitals and clinics are commonplace, access to qualified counsellors or therapists remains limited. Advocates say workplaces, schools, and community organizations must step in to provide mental health support systems.
Globally, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death—and yet, experts insist it is preventable. That’s the very purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day: to break stigma, spark dialogue, and promote actions that could save countless lives.
The Way Forward
Stakeholders agree on three urgent priorities:
• Break the silence surrounding mental health and suicide.
• Show empathy, treating those struggling with compassion instead of judgment.
• Create safe spaces where seeking help is seen as strength, not weakness.
Ultimately, saving lives begins with listening, understanding, and refusing to let silence win.
