Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one's own death. Suicide is a global phenomenon having a deep consequence not just to the dying person but also towards the bereaved, the community and society.
EPIDEMIOLOGY: Despite being preventable, close to a million people die by suicide. Nigeria with a population of over 200 million is one of the epicentres of suicide in the world with a suicide estimate of 17.3 per 100 000, which is higher than the global (10.5 per 100 000) and Africa (12.0 per 100 000) estimates. According to global statistics, since 2012 there has been an increase in suicide in the country.
According to newspaper reports, more men than women died by suicide between 2010 and 2019 whereas by age younger women commit suicide more than men did. In occupation, suicides were reported to be higher among students compared with other professions.
RISK FACTORS: The factors that affect the risk of suicide include mental disorders, drug misuse, psychological states, financial constraints, family history of suicide, loss of loved ones, mental illness, physical illness, substance abuse and so on.
✓Other risk factors include:
a) having previously attempted suicide.
b) the ready availability of a means to take one's life
c) a family history of suicide
d) the presence of traumatic brain injury
✓Socio-economic problems such as unemployment, poverty, homelessness, and discrimination may trigger suicidal thoughts.
✓War veterans have a higher risk of suicide due to higher rates of mental illness, such as: post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical health problems related to war.
✓ Genetics appears to account for between 38% and 55% of suicidal behaviors.
✓Substance misuse is the second most common risk factor for suicide after major depression and bipolar disorder.
✓The media, including the Internet, plays an important role. Certain depictions of suicide may increase its occurrence, with high-volume, prominent, repetitive coverage glorifying or romanticizing suicide having the most impact.
PREVENTION:
✓Suicide is often an impulsive decision, with up to 70% of near-fatal suicide attempts made after less than one hour of deliberation—thus, reducing access to easily-accessible methods of suicide may make impulsive attempts less likely to succeed
✓Economic development through its ability to reduce poverty may be able to decrease suicide rates.
✓Teach coping, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
✓Identify and support people at risk.
✓Contacts with providers (e.g., follow-up phone call from health care professional).
✓Effective mental health care; easy access to a variety of clinical interventions.
✓Strong connections to individuals, family, community and social institutions.
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