Tony Okuyeme 
The Nigerian founder of We Hold A Hand, Kelvin Voen, has expressed deep concern over the increasing number of suicide cases and the lack of sufficient attention to the issue in Africa.
In a recent interview on Newscentral TV, Voen highlighted the alarming rise in suicide rates across Africa, stressing the urgent need for action to address the root causes of suicide and prioritise mental health and well-being.
Speaking on the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, Voen underscored the profound impact of financial crises on mental health, often pushing individuals into depression and, in severe cases, leading to suicide. He emphasised the critical role of early intervention, pointing out that suicidal thoughts typically develop over time.
He also expressed deep concern over the increasing suicide rates among young people, attributing this alarming trend to a combination of factors such as social media pressures, academic stress, and challenges related to identity formation.
He urged young people to prioritise self-care and seek support when needed, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues proactively to safeguard mental health.
According to Voen, several key strategies for preventing suicide include identifying individuals at risk through changes in behaviour and emotional cues is crucial, and creating a supportive environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their struggles is equally important.
He further stressed the need to address broader societal issues that contribute to mental health problems, such as unemployment, crime, and relationship difficulties, stressing that, “by addressing these underlying factors, we can create a more mentally resilient society.”
