Mental health advocates have called for enhanced health services, awareness and support to combat cases of suicide in the country.

They made the call in separate interviews with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja in commemoration of the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day.

Annually marked on September 10 around the world since 2003, the day is aimed at raising public awareness about suicidal behaviours, providing worldwide commitment and action, and highlighting the need to address mental health issues and reduce stigma.

This year’s theme for 2024-2026, “Changing the Narratives on Suicide,” focuses on “Telling Our Stories” to promote openness and support.

Founder, Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative, Ameh Zion, said that the theme underscores the importance of transforming societal perceptions of suicide from silence and stigma to openness and support.

He said, “It encourages communities to discuss mental health and suicide, fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help without fear of judgement.”

Mr Zion pointed out that in Nigeria, stigma surrounding mental health issues often deters individuals from seeking help, exacerbating the problem.

He urged the government to create initiatives that would encourage dialogue on suicide prevention, emphasising that “every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to breaking barriers and raising awareness.”

Founder, Lafiya Wealth Initiative, Mohamed Usman, echoed the same call for open discussions to reduce stigma and normalise seeking help.

Mr Usman highlighted the need to integrate suicide prevention into policy-making decisions and urged both state and federal governments to prioritise mental health resources and support systems.

He said that there was a shortage of medical professionals in the country, particularly in mental health, adding that “with a population of more than 200 million, Nigeria has only one psychiatrist for every one million people.

He stated, “This is a wide gap in mental health care availability.”

He also noted that most psychiatrists were concentrated in urban and southern regions, leaving other areas severely underserved.

A mental health specialist, Ifeoma Nwachukwu, stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment for mental health.

She said, “Mental health is as critical as physical health. We need to break the silence around mental illness and provide accessible resources.”

Ms Nwachukwu criticised the out-of-pocket payment model for mental health treatment, noting that economic difficulties could prevent individuals from accessing necessary medication, potentially worsening their condition.

She also warned that economic stress could lead to mental health issues, and even those without pre-existing conditions might experience suicidal thoughts as a result.

She advised Nigerians facing such stress to seek professional help rather than suffering in silence or relying on religious institutions.

Meanwhile, a teacher, Funke Akin, who lost a loved one to suicide, said she has become a mental health advocate.

She said, “The tragic loss of my brother made me advocate better mental health care and support.”

A 2020 World Health Organisation report indicated that approximately 30 per cent of Nigerians have some form of mental illness.

Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, security issues, unemployment, and economic challenges have likely worsened the statistics.

(NAN)