World Suicide Prevention Day, 2021

Did you know that more than 700, 000 people die by suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds? And globally, suicide ranks among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15–44 years.

Most times, suicides and suicide attempts don't just end with the individual involved, they could have a ripple effect that impacts not only individuals but also families, communities and societies.

The truth is, suicide can be prevented if only appropriate measures are taken and more attention is paid to individuals and their health.

A range of factors could lead to individuals committing suicide. They include:
- Clinical depression
- Substance abuse
- Body shaming
- Bullying
- Poverty
- Severe physical disease or infirmity
- Job or financial loss
- Trauma or abuse e.t.c.

Suicide can be prevented, however.

Key evidence-based suicide prevention measures include:
- Restricting access to means for suicide (e.g. firearms, pesticides, etc.)
- Mental health and alcohol reduction policies.
- Promoting responsible media reporting on suicide.
- Paying attention to behavioural patterns of individuals.
- Highlighting the need for mental health literacy and anti-stigma campaigns.

Preventing suicide and its attempts still boils down, to a great extent, to our dispositions. People should make sure they pay attention to abnormalities of individuals around them. And that is why this year's theme on suicide prevention day is: CREATING HOPE THROUGH ACTION.

*Ms. Chioma Obieke.*