A Professor and Consultant Psychiatrist at Obafemi Awolowo University and the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Prof. Adesanmi Akinsulore, has revealed that Nigeria ranks sixth globally among countries with the highest suicide rates.
Prof. Akinsulore made this disclosure on Monday during a lecture at an event organized by The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, held at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The event, themed “Navigating the Storm: Unraveling the Intricacies of Suicides Amongst Students,” focused on understanding and preventing suicide, particularly in educational institutions.
Citing alarming statistics, Akinsulore noted that men account for 79% of suicides globally, while women tend to experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts. He described suicide as a major public health concern and revealed that it was the third leading cause of death worldwide among individuals aged 15 to 29 in 2021.
“Suicide is a personal tragedy with far-reaching emotional, social, and economic consequences,” Akinsulore stated.
The psychiatrist identified numerous risk factors contributing to suicidal tendencies among students, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, loneliness, and chronic illnesses. School-related challenges such as academic failure, stigma around seeking psychological care, discrimination, and lack of supportive environments were also highlighted as critical contributors.
“In schools, barriers like stigma, limited access to mental health care, and feelings of isolation amplify the risks. This underscores the need for urgent intervention,” he said.
Prof. Akinsulore emphasized protective measures that can help mitigate these risks, including strong parental support, social involvement, mentorship programs, and accessible student support services.
“There is one suicide for every 25 attempts. Navigating the storm is a collective responsibility. Schools, communities, and stakeholders must work together to promote resilience and mental well-being,” he urged.
In his remarks, the Founder of The Still Waters Mental Health Foundation, Dr. Oyewole A. Olutunmise, stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in combating suicide and mental health challenges.
“This gathering reminds us of the power of unity in addressing one of the most critical issues of our time—suicide and mental health challenges. The Still Waters Foundation was borne from the belief that no one should face their struggles alone,” Olutunmise said.
Dr. Olutunmise also expressed gratitude to sponsors, organizers, and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of fostering open conversations and creating hope for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
The event served as a platform for experts, students, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue on mental health and suicide prevention, encouraging collective action to tackle the growing crisis.