Suicide! Suicide! Let’s Talk About Suicide, Shall We?

Suicide! Suicide! Let’s Talk About Suicide, Shall We?

Oftentimes, some youths feel intense anguish that they see no reason to continue living. They feel alone and estranged, this leads them into an intense depression.

If you know someone who has expressed a desire to end it all, or if you have considered that idea yourself, what can you do?

Let’s first take a closer look at why such a thought might occur;

Why would anyone consider taking his or her life?

READ ALSO: Six Secrets To A Healthy Relationship

A number of factors could be involved. For one thing, we live in “critical times, hard to deal with”, and many youths feel the pressure of life with great intensity.

Secondly, human imperfection can cause some people to harbor deeply negative thoughts about themselves and the world around them. Sometimes this is because of maltreatment.
In other cases, a medical issue may be involved.

Of course, no one is immune to adversity. Even the Bible says that “all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together” (Romans 8:22). That includes young people. In fact, youths can be profoundly affected by negative events, such as the following:
* The death of a loved one
* Family conflict
* Academics failure
* Sickness
* Depression
* Breakup
* Mistreatment (including physical or sexual abuse)

READ ALSO: Nigeria’S Problems Can Be Solved With Love – Gov. Obiano

Admittedly, sooner or later virtually all youths encounter one or more of the situations listed above. Why are some better equipped to ride out the storm than others?
Experts say that youths who want to give up the fight feel utterly helpless and hopeless. In other words, such youths see no light on the horizon. They don’t really want to die; they just want to end the pain.

What is the way out?

You might know someone who wants to end the pain so much that he or she expressed a desire to stop living. If that is the case, what can you do?
If a friend is distressed to the point of wanting to die, urge that person to get help. Then, regardless of how he or she feels about it, talk to a responsible adult. Don’t worry about ruining your friendship. By reporting them, you may well save your friend’s life.

But what if you, yourself have had thoughts of ending it all? Don’t keep your feelings to yourself. Talk to someone, like a parent, a friend, or anyone else who cares and who will listen to your concerns and take you seriously. By talking out your problems, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

READ ALSO: Why Buhari Is Part Of Nigeria’s Problem And Not Solution – Buba Galadima

Granted, your problems won’t disappear just because you’re talking about them. But the support of a trusted confidant may be just what you need to put your situation in perspective. It may even help you to work out some practical solutions.

When undergoing distress, remember this: No matter how dire a situation may seem, in time things will change.
Some problems may seem overwhelming at first, but be patient. Things change, often for the better. In some cases, problems might be alleviated in ways that you couldn’t have predicted (for instance the case of little miss Success that is trending on the media of late).

In other cases, you may discover a way of coping that you hadn’t considered. The point is, distressing problems will not stay the same forever.

Nancy Chidebe

A personal note on Chukwuemeka Akachi’s suicide