Lagos provides helplines to stem suicide attempts

The Lagos State Government has expressed concern
on the growing incidences of suicide attempts and as
such has promised to educate members of the public
on suicide and common causes with a view to
stemming the spate of suicides and suicidal attempts
recorded in the State in the past few weeks.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr . Jide Idris ,
made this known at a press briefing on mental
health to commemorate the year 2017 World Health
Day with the theme , “ Depression: Let ’ s Talk ” .
Idris stated that suicide could be committed by
people of all ages and listed its common causes as
inability to deal with life stresses such as financial
problems , relationship breakup , chronic pain and
illness, adding that individuals experiencing
conflicts , disaster , violence , abuse or loss and a
sense of isolation are strongly associated with
suicidal behavior .
The Commissioner noted that suicide rates are also
high amongst vulnerable groups who experience
discrimination such as refugees , migrants and
prisoners, just as he said that depression tops the
list of common causes of suicides.
According to him, depression is a common mental
disorder , characterized by sadness , loss of interest or
pleasure , feelings of guilt or low self -worth,
disturbed sleep or appetite, feelings of tiredness and
poor concentration.
“ Globally, more than 300 million people of all ages
suffer from depression which is the leading cause of
disability worldwide , and is a major contributor to
the overall global burden of disease , ” he said .
While saying that more women are affected by
depression than men, the Commissioner posited that
depression can be long -lasting or recurrent,
substantially impairing an individual ’ s ability to
function at work or school or cope with daily life and
can have devastating consequences for families,
friends , communities and workplaces.
He stressed the need for coordination and
collaboration amongst various sectors of the society
including health , education, labour, justice , law ,
politics and the media, explaining that people
suffering from depression need support to be
courageous , come out to talk about it and shun the
fear of stigmatization and discrimination .
He disclosed that the State Government has set up
help lines – 08058820777 and 09030000741 – through
which residents can ask questions, make inquiries
and seek help from professionals early enough to
allow for appropriate intervention .
“ I must stress that there are people available to help.
So , “ Let ’ s Talk ” …if you are a student, “ Let ’ s Talk ” , if
you are a parent, “ Let ’ s Talk ” , “ If you feel alone in
the world , Let ’ s Talk , ” he said .
Also present at the press briefing were the
Permanent Secretary , Lagos State Ministry of Health,
Dr . Modele Osunkiyesi; Permanent Secretary ,
Primary Health Care Board, Dr . Atinuke Onayiga;
Permanent Secretary , Health Service Commission,
Dr . Jemilade Longe and Professor Abiodun Adewuya
of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
( LASUTH) amongst others.