Constant sensitization, counselling, visitation and humanitarian assistance to people who are enmeshed in socio-economic crises have been described as factors that can curb the spate of suicide in the society
A clinical psychologist at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria,Dr Olufunmilayo Adebimpe stated this while speaking with Radio Nigeria on this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day,
Dr . Adebimpe enumerated predisposing factors contributing to suicide to include disappointments, long term depression, loss of self esteem caused by job loss and loss of loved ones .
The LAUTECH clinical psychologist said individuals, the media, government and religious institutions must be alive to the responsibilities of assisting victims not only in terms of materials but also through counselling.
While expressing their minds on the day, a cross section of people said perpetrators consider suicide due to the unbearable stress, inflation, frustration as well as lack of access to counselling.
The respondents emphasised the need for intensive counselling as well as humanitarian intervention to cushion the effect of the ongoing socio economic challenges confronting various societies.
The theme for this year’s world suicide prevention day is: “Changing the narrative on suicide”
Radio Nigeria