A RISE AGAINST SUICIDE IN GHANA
On Thursday, the 17th of March, 2022, the Daily Guide reported a case on a mentally challenged man hanging himself at Ejura in the Ashanti Region.
From the paper, the deceased Sulemand Mohammed was reportedly found hanging on a rope in his room at Dromankuma. His older brother was said to have reported to the police and his brother’s mental illness, but nothing was said about measures taken by the family to support the deceased.
The type of mental illness the deceased suffered from was also not indicated and the pathology report disclosed by the police did not show any mark of violence to suspect foul play.
This is a very sad and this is very sad and unfortunate incident which could have been prevented with intention from the psychiatric hospital, therapy and efficient home care. This suicide case is indeed an eye opener for us to rise up and help curb the high incidence of suicide in the country.
According to reports from the World Health Organization (Suicide Worldwide in 2019: Global Health Estimates), every year over 703,000 people take their own life and there are many others who attempt suicide.
While there is a link between mental disorders suicide, especially in cases where the patient suffers from depression or alcohol use disorders, the mental illness the deceased suffered from was not disclosed.
Also, it was not stated in the report that he had received prior medical intervention and neither was it mentioned that the deceased was on any medication at home. What the family did not realize was, people suffering from mental illness experience mood swings to a certain degree and therefore there was a need for constant monitoring of the deceased. In the case of the deceased.
In the case of the deceased, isolating himself in his room was supposed to be an issue of concern for his family, but unfortunately, they were not aware of the consequences in his condition.
Most often, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis when individuals are unable to deal with life stresses (such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic illness and pain)
Also, experiencing discrimination, disaster, conflict, abuse, violence or loss and a sense of isolation are associated with suicidal behavior and this must not be taken for granted.
Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do for the deceased but we must take his incident as a lesson to help support others in similar situations.
SUICIDE CAN BE PREVENTED
There are numerous measures that can be taken to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. Regrettably, the stigma surrounding metal disorders and suicide has made it difficult for many people thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide to seek for help. Most people with suicidal ideations are not getting the help they require.
Due to lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health issue, the prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed. For a better Ghana, suicide prevention must be included among our health priorities and a national suicide prevention strategy must be developed. In our mental institution as a country, an adequate number of mental health staff must observe patience having suicidal tendencies. This will help minimize the incidence of suicide o the wards.
There must be regular follow up on incident reports relating to suicide attempts. Improved surveillance and monitoring of suicide and suicide attempts is required for effective suicide prevention strategies.
In the home, if a family member suffering from mental disorder cannot be managed, the family must try as much as possible to seek assistance from the psychiatric hospital whilst undergoing counselling. If the mental illness can be managed at home, family member must ensure that the person suffering from the mental illness is regularly taking their medication.
Also families must ensure that they regularly communicate with the person so that he/she will not feel isolated.
Moreover, they must ensure that there are no sharp objects, shoe laces, cutlery, ropes, firearms, pesticides or certain medications that can be used for overdose.
Preventing suicide as a nation does not just depend on families, it also requires collaboration and coordination among the various sectors of the society.
Without an integrated and comprehensive effort from all sectors (i.e. Law, business, defence, education, politics, media etc.), no single approach can make an impact.
Counsellor Angie
Certificate in Mental Health/
Counselling Psychologist.
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