ISIOMA MADIKE 
The Suicide Research and Prevention Initiative (SURPIN), has called for the promotion of mental health and prevention of suicide in the country.
This was part of the resolution reached at the initiative’s virtual National Conference, which was held recently with the theme: “Research as a Tool for Promoting Future Mental Wellbeing among the Youth – Part 2.”
The conference, which brought together key stakeholders, professionals, researchers, students, and representatives from various government sectors and organisations advocated for collaborative efforts of all Nigerians.
According to the meeting, there appears to be “A significant percentage of students suffering from mild depression, with the main stressors being high expectations and pressure to perform well academically.”
The meeting further stressed the need for increased mental health resources and support systems in educational institutions and communities.
Part of the resolution, reads: “The need for continuous education around suicide; realistic policies to protect all mental health and suicidal patients; and health insurance programmes for mental health patients
“The socio-economic impact of incessant strikes has a significant relationship to suicide ideation among university of Ilorin medical students.
“The Persons Living with Sickle Cell Disease (PLWSCD) often perceive their condition as a significant contributor to depression.
“There are unique cultural perspectives, such as the spiritual interpretations of SCD and depression.
“Peer support is an evidence-based, critical intervention approach towards addressing substance abuse, especially among young people, because any behaviour exhibited by young people in schools is likely to be replicated in the communities.”
While the meeting noted that suicide prevention is everyone’s business, it however advocated that getting young people involved in research from an early stage is worthwhile.
“Stakeholder collaboration around suicide prevention should be improved upon just as it stated that there is need for more multi-sector collaboration, as well as regional and continental cooperation.
“There is a need for sharing knowledge and lessons learned. It is key to develop new, or review existing, school mental health programmes, beginning at state levels.
“There is a critical need for targeted intervention programmes to address the academic and social challenges faced by youths suffering from mental health issues.
“In the face of brain-drain, the virtual world makes it possible to tap into the experiences of diasporas in mental health Action plan,” the meeting added.
