A Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr Adeola Ajayi, has advised Nigerians to stop all forms of stigma attached to people diagnosed with mental illnesses.
Ajayi, who is a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Osun Teaching Hospital, issued the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo on Thursday.
The consultant psychiatrist said stigmatising individuals diagnosed with mental illnesses could prevent them from seeking help.
“Anybody can be sick, and when we see anybody with mental illness, do not stigmatise them.
“It is stigmatising, majorly, that prevents people from coming out for help when they are sick.”
Also, she noted that attempted suicide could be a cry for help.
“Families and friends should have increased level of suspicion to pick the changes in behaviour before things could deteriorate to a point of suicide.”
She, however, spoke on some of the causes of increased suicide in Nigeria.
“The increased prevalence of mental disorders, particularly depression (untreated severe cases of depression) is a risk factor for suicide.
“Drug abuse (alcohol), financial insecurity, poverty, family instability, traumatic events are causes of suicide also.”
She added that suicide and suicidal attempts were punishable under the law but added that it was hatred towards oneself for anyone wanting to commit suicide.
“Instead of punishing attempted suicide cases, people should rally around and bring them to the hospital. Let them know there is a way out. Depression has a cure,” she said.
In addition, Ajayi said people with suicidal tendencies could be checked for cases of psychosis and further rehabilitated.
Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality.
“There was a case that happened where a young girl cut her wrist in an attempt to commit suicide. The father went ballistic, asking how old she was and what kind of problem it was that could make her want to commit suicide.
“He said the knife should be given to her to complete it. We had to call him aside and tell him that shouting at her was not the solution.
“We made him to understand that her mind was faulty and that she needed treatment.
“The person should not be seen as an offender of the law but as someone who needs help and should be treated,” she said.
The consultant psychiatrist, therefore, advised Nigerians not to see suicide as an option.
“Things will get better. If you commit suicide and you think you are escaping, look at the family you have left behind.
“They will forever blame themselves. Some will not forgive you, and it will even lead to their depression.”
Moreover, she said there were specialists who could address whatever form of psychiatric cases the individuals were faced with.
“Sometimes all the person needs is psychotherapy (talk sessions). The person may need drugs.
“It might be a couple therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, occupational therapy; we will identify where the problem is and we will try as much to help.”
Also speaking with NAN, Dr Glory Oyebanji, a general practitioner, said some of the causes for suicidal attempts could be financial burdens, poverty, the feeling of hopelessness, and frustration.
“Unemployment, economic downturn, and inflation, I think you find that more in younger people, especially when they are looking for jobs, having done what they know how to do, and yet, no jobs, no prospects.
“They give up because there is no hope for a better future, so it looks like, why continue?”
Oyebanji added that bipolar disorder could also be one of the causes of suicidal thoughts.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs, called mania, and lows, known as depression.
She explained that the disorder was real and related to the brain, contrary to the belief that it was a disease not common to Africans.
“It is real. It is not spiritual or an oyinbo (western) disease.
“There are different parts of our brain that control our reality, our emotions, and sometimes when that part is distorted, a person starts losing sight of what is real, then such a person is already heading towards mental illness.
“That is why such individuals will require medication that will make them feel better. Such medicines are targeted towards specific areas of the brain.”
Also, she said some people had suicidal thoughts just to seek attention, either from family or partners.
“We call such people attention seekers, like they want to punish either their parents or boyfriends, and blame them for causing their deaths if they go through with committing suicide.
“I saw that in the university a lot, especially with women and those who were married; that kind of deep emotional pain.”
Oyebanji further advised the government to create more empowerment programmes for young women and to make jobs available for the youth.
“It will help to relieve the financial burdens on people, and those who have business ideas can be offered grants to start them up.
“The government could also make a way for the minimum wage to get to all sectors, not those working for the government alone.”
Meanwhile, she said civil society organisations and hospitals could organise more awareness programmes on mental disorders and their causes. (NAN)
