Suicide and Suicide Prevention

• Introduction

• What is Suicide?

• Signs of a Person at risk of Suicide

• Common misconceptions about Suicide

• Suicide Prevention

• Conclusion

INTRODUCTION

Close to 800 000 people die by suicide every year. Furthermore, for each suicide, there are more than 20 suicide attempts. Suicides and suicide attempts have a ripple effect that impacts families, friends, colleagues, communities and societies. According to the World Health Organization in a 2019 report, Nigeria has the highest suicide rates in Africa and the sixth globally. Today, suicide is a rising global issue and there are speculations on the increase of suicidal ideations and attempts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicides are preventable and much can be done to prevent suicide at individual, community and national levels.