WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY: FACTORS LEADING TO SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
By Miskilu Aminat
It was the celebration of the World's Suicide Prevention Day on Sunday 10th of September, with the theme: Creating Hope Through Action. The commemoration of this day underscores the magnitude of mental health and how many opt for suicide to escape the arduous journey of life. Students are not left out as the National Statistics states that suicide is the second leading cause of death amongst students on campuses.
It's Resumption O’clock in the University of Ibadan, and with its fast pace, it promises to reign down an avalanche of crushing academic activities on students. This factor and others may compel students to contemplate or opt for suicide. Let's peek through the kaleidoscope of these struggles.
Harsh Economic Climate
The economic climate of Nigeria is harsher than usual following the removal of fuel subsidies. This economic reality dawns on students when it is time to pay tuition fees. Many are yet to resume due to hustling to raise their fees. This economic tightrope might be so suffocating that the option of suicide may surface.
Academic Expectations
The orientation in the Nigerian educational system has set the psyche of many undergraduates to deem grades lower than the first class as a failure. This is partly due to the competitive nature of job opportunities and the disparagement of technological skills, internships and certifications. Constant trepidation over the pursuit of first-class especially when results do not reflect such expectations can breed weariness and suicidal thoughts.
Anxiety for the Future
A general notion holds that curiosity makes man, and not knowing what the future holds may result in imagining a bleak and tragic future. This might relate to present circumstances and deferred dreams. Situations like this may also cause the thought of suicide.
Relationship Fallout
Amidst the academic brouhaha, students still play lovey-dovey on campus. University still serves as the background for the marital journey for students. For students who have not mastered the art of emotional control, suicide may seem the best option to escape the heartache that accompanies emotional entanglement.
In the midst of the storm, students are urged to fight to see the positivity of their travails even though it is never an easy feat. Remember, suicide may seem like an easy solution but it snatches from you the success your challenges are preparing you for. Snap out of the thought and focus on the happy moments. Remember, the world doesn't care about the war; it only wants to identify with a victor.
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