A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Raphael Ogbolu, on Thursday in Lagos called for effective prevention strategies to prevent suicide in Nigeria.

Ogbolu, who works at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, made the call at the ongoing 49th Annual and General Scientific Meeting of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria.

Theme of the meeting is: “Brain Drain in Mental Health: Impact and Solutions.“

Ogbolu  said: “Despite the World Health Organisation (WHO)’s goal of reducing suicide rates by at least 10 per cent by 2020, less than 15 per cent of WHO list of countries had developed national suicide prevention strategies till date.

“There is, therefore, dire need for effective prevention strategies in Nigeria.“

According to him, the challenges facing suicide prevention in the country include stigma toward mental illnesses and legal issues such as the fact that attempting suicide remains a crime according to the criminal code.

“Such challenges can be overcome through advocacy and changes in old politics or implementation of appropriate new ones.
“It is hence imperative to examine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of suicide in Nigeria as the first step to defining prevention strategies for suicide, “ the consultant psychiatrist said.

Another Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Adefemi Adeoye, speaking on Sex and Mental illness, said that early exposure to sex could culminate in excessive sexual drive, high risk sexual behaviours and ultimately a mental illness.

Adeoye works at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, said: “Research has shown early exposure to sexual activities is associated with high-risk sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex with multiple partners.

“Others are unwanted pregnancies, risky abortions, sexually transmitted diseases as well as psychoactive substance use.“
According to him, there is a dearth of literature on the subject of early exposure to sexual activities that leads to mental illness in Nigeria.

Adeoye said: “There is need for more education about early exposure to sexual activities and its implications, especially to teenagers and in young adults.

“This is in order to prevent actions that can lead to mental disorders.“ (NAN