Masterclass
Suicide Prevention: Nigeria in Perspective
Venue: WhatsApp
Time: 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Date: October 18th, 2019
Facilitator: Chinyereugo Udensi
Moderator: Toluse Dove Francis
Attendance: 257 individuals
Chinyereugo’s Profile;
Ms. Chinyereugo Udensi is a Clinical Psychologist at Neem Foundation. She is responsible for the overall management and coordination of programmes at the organisation’s Abuja-based Psychology Centre called The Sanctuary. As a trained Psychologist with over 5 years’ experience, Ms. Udensi specialises in trauma support, substance and alcohol abuse, mood disorders, psychosis and other related mental health challenges.
A keen advocate of mental health, Ms. Udensi has worked in Rehabilitation clinics within and outside Nigeria. She has appeared on many public broadcast radio and television programmes focused on raising awareness of social and psychological wellness. Ms. Udensi is a graduate of Psychology from the University of Johannesburg (South Africa) and holds an MSc. in Clinical Psychology from Walden University (USA).
Toluse’s Profile;
Toluse is a therapist, author, thought leader and speaker on Mental Health issues.
Summary of discussion held;
Chinyereugo started off with the incident in 2017 of a medical doctor who jumped off a bridge, taking his life. It was widely publicized, leaving a trail of questions, speculations and assumptions. The story of this doctor’s suicide sparked conversations on suicide in Nigeria and was the start of information supply on suicidal behavior in Nigeria. Every day, we hear about people taking their lifes. It has become apparent that Nigerians can take their lives and are taking their lives.
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking your life or causing your death. Suicide is a complex public health challenge because of the interplay between biological (neurobiological), psychological and social factors. Unfortunately, most Nigerians do not see it that way as a result of cultural, social and religious narratives around suicides.
Chinyereugo mentioned that we have been taught that suicide was as a result of a character flaw, an indication of poor moral standing, an attention-seeking behavior and criminal behavior. Sadly, these only work to stigmatize people struggling with suicidal thoughts/ideations and reduce their desire to seek appropriate help.
Chinyereugo added that the act of committing suicide was not about the desire to die but, a desperate attempt to escape emotional distress. When people get to a point of being suicidal, it is usually because they feel helpless and hopeless about their situation. Many survivors have compared the experience to a combination of feelings of despair, grief, anxiety and fear, with a desire to end their suffering through death.
Statistics;
Chinyereugo mentioned that the data on suicide rates in Nigeria was dependent on who you asked.
Below gives more insight;
• Nigeria approximates 15.1 suicides per 100,000 population per year in 2015 – WHO.
• Suicide occurs throughout the lifespan and was the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally –WHO.
• The suicide mortality rate in Nigeria is 9.5 per 100,000 of population, with a regional average of 7.4.- WHO.
• Nigeria ranks 30th most suicide-prone country out of 183 nations in the world (WHO) - The Guardian, June 2018.
• Nigeria ranks 10th African country with a higher rate of suicide. (WHO)- The Guardian, June 2018.
• The Suicide Research & Prevention Initiative (SURPIN) in Nigeria reported about one-fifth of suicide cases seen at its affiliated institution are those aged 13-19 years. In addition, over 50 per cent of the crisis calls received through its hotlines were from those aged 13- 29 years; 27.8 per cent were students.
Risk Factors;
Chinyereugo stated that the increasing rates of suicide in Nigeria could be attributed to individual and socio-cultural factors:
• Individual factors: For example chronic physical illness, emotional distress, alcohol and substance abuse, abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), family history of suicide, personal history of suicide attempt, history of mental health challenges.
• Socio-cultural factors: For example religious beliefs, bullying, economic or financial difficulties, loss of a loved one, stressful or traumatic life events.
Signs;
Contrary to prevalent narratives, most suicides do not occur suddenly, they are usually preceded by warnings that we may not easily identify or understand. Some of these warnings include ;
• Writing, talking or hinting about suicide.
• A sudden sense of peace or calm after a severe depressive episode.
• Negative self-talk.
• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
• Engaging in self-destructive behavior.
• Giving away of possessions or interest in writing will.
• Withdrawal and isolation.
Suicide prevention;
Chinyereugo emphasized that suicide prevention is everybody’s business. Efforts to prevent suicide should include all Nigerians at different levels; the individual, community and national level. For the benefit of the masterclass, she would focus on what everyone can do to help a person dealing with suicidal thoughts.
Suicide prevention is reliant on the ability to spot suicidal ideations and talk about them with the person experiencing it. You may find it difficult and experience some level of fear about approaching the person to talk about it, it is normal. However, it is important to note that a suicidal person is a person in need of immediate help. When uncertain about the presence of suicidal thoughts, stick with asking questions that are leading and clarifying. For example, “I have noticed that you have been acting differently of late, and just wondering how you are doing?” “I am concerned about you, you don’t seem like yourself”. You do not have to be a psychologist to help, showing genuine concern about the person goes a long way.
She added that when talking to a suicidal person, take the person seriously and do not promise confidentiality. It should be a conversation free of judgment or argument but reassuring and empathic. When it is established that a person is suicidal, evaluate the immediate level of danger by asking about the suicide plan (How? With what? and When?), then seek immediate professional help with a qualified Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
She mentioned that to offer psychological first aid, we should use the ALGEE approach when talking to a suicidal person;
• A: Assess their level of risk for suicide.
• L: Listen non-judgmentally.
• G: Give reassurance and information.
• E: Encourage them to seek self-help and other support strategies.
• E: Encourage appropriate professional help.
Questions 1:
Doxa: Do people who have attempted suicide at one point in their life have the tendency to have recurrent thoughts of suicide in the future?
Response: Yes, they could. History of a previous suicide attempt is a risk factor for future suicide attempts.
Questions 2:
With regards to individual factors that can trigger suicide, can personal history of suicide attempt evolve into family history of suicide?
Response: There could be multiple counts of suicide in a family. For example, in a family with a history of mood disorders like Bipolar disorder, the sufferers could take their lives. It does not mean suicides are genetic though. It could mean looking a bit more into the family history.
Questions 3:
Aisha Bubah: Should suicide continue to be viewed as a crime or strictly a mental health issue?
Response: Suicide is not a crime or a mental issue. Suicide is the point where you feel there is nothing else to live for.
Questions 4:
Talking about giving away possessions or interests in writing will, how can we crystallize the difference between such emanating from a stable and deliberate mind as against such triggered by a suicidal mind?
Response: You may find the person giving out all they have, just like someone would if they were relocating.
Questions 5:
At what percentage can one link Depression and Suicide as a partner factor? In handling suicide, can one direct his or her approach from a depressed angle?
Response: There is a strong relationship between depression and suicide. If depression is unlying the suicidal attempt, then it can be treated from that approach.
Questions 6:
At what stage psychologically can one know a depressed person is about or will soon commit suicide even without the person telling you? What are the likely symptoms as a psychologist?
Response: Depression can be noticed. When someone begins to withdraw from others, especially family and close friends. Spending time alone doing nothing but thinking. Stop doing things the person normally does a normal day etc. In some cases, they are just reserve, but depression is not far from it.
Questions 7:
Doxa: I saw a video on social media (Nas Daily) about a guy named Mr X. He had suicidal thoughts which he battled with for years. He was contacted, counselled and referred to a mental health clinic where he would get treatment. Two months a later, he took his life. Sad event. How best can we help people like this, after undergoing treatment but they still resolve to end their life?
Response: Suicidal ideations are very complicated. Unfortunately, that is the story of many more people. We have to keep supporting them and encourage continuous professional help. If you are having suicidal thoughts, I encourage you to reach out to people you trust or a mental health practitioner. There are suicide prevention hotlines you can reach out to;
Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative (MANI): + 234 809 111 6264
Reconnect HDI: +234 817 347 1471
Lysi Regimen: +234 909 666 6605
Report written by:
Tinuola Aina
Assistant National Secretary
YALI RLC Alumni Nigeria Chapter
