September 12, (THEWILL) — Two Clinical Psychologists in Benue State have stressed the need to address underlying factors contributing to suicidal thoughts, such as depression, anxiety and social isolation.
They pointed out that societal idiotion could be precipitated by a range of factors such as financial crisis, marital issues, mental disorder, among others.
Doctor Iorlumun Shimakaa of the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, emphasised that identifying and supporting individuals with such behaviours is crucial to enable them to have mental health services, as well as a supportive environment that encourages open conversation about mental health.
“It is unfortunate that members of the same family circle sit in the same room and cannot have verbal communication. The father, the mother and the children are buried in the telephone. Gradually, this is eroding our social support network”, he stated.
Doctor Shimakaa, who is the chairman of the Nigeria Psychological Association (NPA), Benue State chapter, noted that reducing stigma and encouraging open conversation about mental health and suicide prevention could go a long way in shifting societal attitudes toward greater understanding and support services that are essential to effective prevention.
Another Clinical Psychologist at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Aboje Ojebe, held that suicide is a major public health concern globally, with over 700 deaths recorded annually, which requires concerted efforts to tackle the scourge.
He also highlighted the impact of social and economic factors on mental health, stating that poverty, unemployment and lack of access to economic opportunities can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and advised people to have a reason to overcome suicide ideation.
“By the time an individual is unable to keep his head above water financially, we cannot doubt the fact that economically, things are not working in this country, and it has been a source of depression”, Ojebe declared.
He argued that people can no longer meet the basic needs of life, pointing out that anything that erodes takes individuals toward committing suicide.
The Psychologist, therefore, emphasises the need for families to promote mental health awareness to reduce stigma, advising individuals with challenges not to shy away from seeking support services from mental health facilities.
