Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. It can start almost anywhere in the human body and cause pain, suffering and death. But cancer is not the only disease that can kill young people. There is another silent killer, claiming more lives than ever before among our youths. Suicide is the new deadly cancer.
Suicide is death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. It is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations that can be prevented. Suicide is a leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. In Nigeria, the rate of suicide is considerably high at 6.9 per 100,000 of the population in 2019. This translates to roughly 7,019 people a year.
Why are so many young people in Nigeria taking their own lives? What are the factors that drive them to such a desperate act? And what can be done to prevent this new cancer from spreading?
In Nigeria, some of the specific factors that contribute to the high rate of suicide among youths include: drug abuse and addiction, especially to opioids, cocaine, cannabis and alcohol. Many young people use drugs to cope with stress, boredom, peer pressure, poverty and unemployment, but end up becoming dependent and addicted. Drug abuse can impair judgment, increase
impulsivity, worsen mental health and trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviours. – Relationship problems, such as breakups, infidelity, domestic violence, unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
Many young people experience emotional turmoil, betrayal, guilt, anger, rejection and loneliness when their relationships fail or become abusive. These feelings can lead to
depression, hopelessness and suicidal ideation. – Betting (gambling), which has become a popular and addictive activity among Nigerian youths.
Many young people gamble online or offline, hoping to win money and escape poverty, but end up losing more than they can afford. Gambling can cause financial stress, debt, legal problems, family conflicts and mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression and gambling addiction. These factors can increase the risk of suicide among gamblers.
Suicide can be prevented with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. This includes raising awareness and reducing stigma about suicide and mental health issues in the society. This can be done through education, media, campaigns, advocacy and community engagement.
Raising awareness can help people recognise the warning signs of suicide and seek help for themselves or others, and support those who are affected by suicide. Providing access to quality mental health care and support services for people who are at risk of suicide can also prevent suicide. This includes screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, counseling, follow-up and referral. Providing mental health care can help people cope with their problems, reduce their distress, enhance their resilience and prevent future suicide attempts.
Other preventive measures are restricting access to lethal means of suicide, such as firearms, drugs, pesticides and ropes; restricting access to lethal means can reduce the availability and opportunity for suicide, especially among impulsive or intoxicated individuals; promoting social connectedness and support among young people, such as family, friends, peers, teachers, mentors, religious leaders and community members. This can be done through fostering positive relationships, providing emotional and practical support, creating safe and inclusive spaces, and encouraging help-seeking and help-giving behaviors. Promoting social connectedness and support can help young people feel valued, accepted, cared for and hopeful.
Addressing the underlying causes and risk factors of suicide among youths, such as drug abuse, relationship problems and betting can also be helpful. This can be done through prevention, intervention and rehabilitation programmes that target the specific needs and challenges of young people. Addressing the underlying causes and risk factors can help young people develop healthy coping skills, improve their well-being and reduce their vulnerability to suicide.
Suicide is a new cancer among youths in Nigeria. It is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families and communities. But suicide is not inevitable. It can be prevented with collective and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders, including government, health sector, education sector, media, civil society, religious groups and the general public. Together, we can save lives and create a brighter future for our youths.
Chibueze Emmanuel Ofoegbu,
Abuja
