Feyisara finally gained admission into a Federal University in Nigeria after four years of writing JAMB and nearly giving up on tertiary education. Feyisara had remained optimistic, despite the academic setbacks and the fact that most of her friends were almost rounding up their university education while she was just entering. She drew comfort from some friends who had always encouraged her and were there for her whenever she was down. She considered herself fit and ready for the tertiary institution race after finally getting into the university.
A few months into her second year in the University, ASUU went on a warning strike of two weeks, and everyone hoped that would be the end of it. Unfortunately, the strike continued for months, and students were eventually asked to leave the school premises and go home since the strike had become indefinite. Feyisara was beginning to associate negative emotions with schooling at this point, and she was losing hope of meeting up with her peers in society and accomplishing the right things at the right time. It appeared to her that the whole world was conspiring against her studies and did not want her to continue her education. COVID-19 lockdown and an ASUU strike occurred in her first year in school. And in her second year, ASUU had not called off the strike after 8 months and counting. She was struggling to stay optimistic but it was becoming more and more difficult with each passing day.
Her sadness and irritable mood became constant, and she began to lose interest in everything, including talking to her friends. Feyisara’s parents and siblings tried to cheer her up, but it was a futile effort, so they simply let her be. They had concluded that she would be happier once ASUU called off the strike and she returned to school. In the meantime, everyone left her well alone.
Until Feyisara attempted suicide and was rushed her to the nearest hospital. Thankfully, she survived but this averted tragedy served as a wake-up call for everyone around her, and they realized she needed intervention from a mental health professional to address her emotional distress.
Discussion
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide is currently the second leading cause of death among young persons globally. Even though spontaneity/impulsive reactions accounts for 10% of suicide attempts, the remaining 90% were reported to be due to a combination of mental disorders and adverse life events – especially depression. Furthermore, “every suicide death has been estimated to affect, on average, at least 138 people across various spheres of interaction – such as at school/work, friends, family members, neighbors, and so on” – according to the WHO.
Furthermore, a million deaths occur annually from suicide, translating to one suicide death every 40 seconds. An attempted suicide occur every 2 seconds, as nearly 20 million persons attempt suicide every year – majorly among young persons. Considering that depression is also commoner among females, it is not surprising that suicidal attempts are also commoner in females.
This underlines the importance of paying attention to the mental health of everyone, but especially those of our youth. They may be going through various life challenges and stressors and we may be completely oblivious until we speak to them and see things from their perspective. So, what can one do when situations become really stressful and our mental health is in danger? How can we help ourselves and other youth passing through difficulties?
- Be intentional about self care, listen to your favorite music, cook your favorite food, watch your favorite movies e.t.c
- Repeat words of affirmation as much as you can; the more you say it, the more you accept it as yours.
- Try yoga and meditation; clearing your mind and just focusing on breathing actually helps a lot.
- Focus on positivity; give more attention to the positive events happening or that is about to happen in your life.
- Eat healthy and exercise regularly; and this does not necessarily imply having to go to the gym but may simply entail taking long walks consistently. Regular physical exercise is not only good for our physical health but also improves our mental wellbeing.
- Have good relationships with people around you. Positive interactions and relationships with people around you is important for emotional support and also building your sense of self worth. No man or woman can exist in a vacuum, We need one another.
- If you or anyone you know is struggling with their mental health, please urgently consult with a mental health professional. There should be no stigma or shame in talking about your mental health.
Conclusion
Suicide is a public health emergency, but it is an avoidable loss of precious and irreplaceable human lives. September is suicide prevention month and we all need to join hands to create hope through action – especially for our youth. We all have a role to play.
Dr Jibril Abdulmalik
Tribune Article for the column “Your Mental Health & You”
Thursday, 22nd September 2022
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