Security
SAVE Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), an Abuja based NGO, has called for collective commitment of all to prevent and end suicides, especially among the adolescents in Nigeria.
Ms May Ikokwu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) on Saturday.
“Creating hope through action” is the triennial theme for the World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021 – 2023.
The theme is a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us.
“By creating hope through action, we can signal to people experiencing suicidal thoughts that there is hope and that we care and want to support them.”
She said it also had the capacity of suggesting that our actions, no matter how big or small, might provide hope to those who are struggling.
The Culture advocate said the theme highlights the importance of setting suicide prevention as a priority public health agenda by countries.
She called on parents particularly, to rise to the occasion of closer engagement with their children which would go a long way in preventing suicides.
“When parents are very close to their children, especially the adolescents knowing their worries, fears and challenges, there is tendency to provide answers and solutions through counseling etc.
“Certainly, such thoughts of taking one’s life would be detected and nipped in the bud,” she said.
The SOHI boss, who described suicide as alien to Africa, said it had recently been one of the major causes of deaths among the adolescents in Africa.
She stressed the determination of her group to continue to uphold the sanctity of human life through entrenchment of cultural norms of love and discipline.
She identified depression and self stigma as the major factors responsible for triggering suicide, urging urgent attention of all stakeholders to address it.
Ikokwu, however, advised parents and the society at large to respond with empathy to suspected cases of depression on the part of their children.
“When your child talks or writes about suicide, you may feel shocked, hurt, or angry. You may even want to deny what you’re seeing or argue with your child.
“These feelings are natural and valid, but it’s essential to focus on your child’s needs first and foremost.
” Your goal is to create a safe space where your teen can trust you to listen and express concern, but without judgment or blame.
“Affordable parents should seek the help of a Psychologist or any other counselor for their child.”
Ikokwu explained that millions of people suffered intense grief or were otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.
She said that each suicidal death was a public health concern with a profound impact on those around them.
According to her, by raising awareness, reducing the stigma around suicide, and encouraging well-informed action, we can reduce instances of suicide around.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that according to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 703,000 people a year take their life around the world.
Sept. 10 each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the imperatives of providing and sustaining interventions. (NAN)
KN
Tags: May Ikokwu Save Our Heritage Initiative SOHI WSPD
