“Generally, a cursory layman appropriation of the problem would reveal that, with more advance in technology, there’s a concomitant pressure build-up that many people are not able to handle within their limited means of access and mental capacity. It’s a multi-faceted malaise.
Many people are struggling with drug addiction, especially overdoses on common OTC sleeping pills after suffering emotional or marital disappointment. Others are suffering intense financial pressures due to rising costs of daily living, peer pressure and all kinds of disillusionment”. Emeritus Arch- Bishop Lawrence Ayo Ladigbolu .
By Bode Durojaiye .
Speaking on a radio programme, Dynasty 89.9 FM in Oyo town, on Tuesday to commemorate the International Day against suicide , the Founder of New Hope Oyo Metro Suicide Prevention Counselling Centre, Emeritus Arch- Bishop Lawrence Ayoade Ladigbolu,
said suicide, taking your own life, is a tragic reaction to stressful life situations — and all the more tragic because suicide can be prevented.
Though, he said , suicidal people may keep their intention to themselves, a few of the warning signs may be mood swings, isolation at home and general withdrawal from society, change of habits like eating and sleeping (some may begin to stay up through the night while the world is asleep.
“Thinking all sorts of bad thoughts and giving them the opportunity to fester, with no one around to disabuse their minds), talk of feelings of hopelessness, increase in alcohol consumption or drug taking, saying things like “Gbogbo nkan ma ti su mi” (I am tired of everything), “I wish I was never born”, putting their affairs in order, and contacting people to say goodbye.
” A person contemplating suicide may also talk about death a lot, about heaven and hell, sound cynical and pessimistic, and give away prized possessions, which under normal circumstances they would not consider parting with”.
Emeritus ArchBishop Ladigbolu stated that whether one iis considering suicide or know someone who feels suicidal, it is important to learn suicide warning signs and how to reach out for immediate help and professional treatment. Such steps may save a life, either his or her own or someone else’s.
According to him, ” once you may have recognised suicidal signs in an individual, take them seriously. Be a good listener, especially in order to try to discover as much as possible, what is going on in the mind of such an individual, and what actions they may be planning to take. Let the suicidal party know that you care, and you want to help and support them.
“Let such a person know that the feelings of hopelessness and committing suicide, can pass, and advice them to seek professional help, even though here in Nigeria there is a paucity of mental health professionals. Try to point out better alternatives to suicide.
” Unfortunately, Nigeria does not seem to have proper infrastructure set up for psychiatric counselling centres”
Emeritus ArchBishop Ladigbolu pointed out that the worrisome situations in the country necessitated wife if the President and former Senator , Chief Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, to initiate a private Bill to the Upper Chamber of the ninth National Assembly on curbing the global heath problem, suicide, but was treated with disdain.
” The lukewarm attitude of then Senate to issue that ought to have been considered of utmost importance informed my decision,, couple with with my experience as a trained Counselor for many years in the United States of America ( USA), to establish at least a counseling and prevention centre for suicide victims in Oyo town””, Emeritus ArchBishop Ladigbolu explained
The retired Minister of God who noted that the Centre is a voluntary and Non. Governmental one has organised trainings and counseling to several establishments, including the public sector .
” Many suicide attempts were also prevented by the Centre through divine intervention . All these services are being rendered free of charge”.
However, in an EXCLUSVE chat with the writer, Emeritus ArchBushop Ladigbolu further asserted that ” can someone in his or her right mind, just decide that he or she is tired of life and just decide to end it? Or are such decisions taken as a result of stress, desperation or mental illness, which precludes a person from being rational?
He went further, ” generally, a cursory layman appropriation of the problem would reveal that, with more advance in technology, there’s a concomitant pressure build-up that many people are not able to handle within their limited means of access and mental capacity. It’s a multi-faceted malaise.
“Many people are struggling with drug addiction, especially overdoses on common OTC sleeping pills after suffering emotional or marital disappointment. Others are suffering intense financial pressures due to rising costs of daily living, peer pressure and all kinds of disillusionment.
” The foregoing scenario is a really gloomy picture, when one looks at the attention and concerted efforts required to reverse or slow down the trend.
” So, when in difficulty seek help, talk to a professional, trusted friend or family member or even your clergy. They will, in most cases, show compassion.”.
Concluded….
