Depression, job losses increasing suicide cases in Nigeria — NAS
The National Association of Seadogs, also known as Pyrates Confraternity, on Saturday attributed the rising cases of suicide in Nigeria to depression, job losses, drug abuse among youths and poor economic situation, promising to arrest the situation.
The organisation offered humanitarian services to the less-privileged by presenting toiletries and cash donation to the psychiatric section of Karu General Hospital in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The Capone of the Zuma Deck of NAS, Anderson Oseh, said the donations were to identify with the patients in commemorating the World Mental Health Day observed annually on October 11.
He noted that the visit was also to draw government’s attention to the mental health of the citizenry and to amplify awareness to the general populace that in every Nigerian, there were things that could trigger suicide attempts.
Oseh also said NAS visited psychiatric sections of hospitals in its 34 branches worldwide.
He said, “Our aim is to identify with mental patients worldwide and to let the people know that we have a facility in Abuja where people can walk into when they are stressed up. They can talk to mental health doctors. It doesn’t mean that they are already mad but to talk to doctors so that they will not end up contemplating suicide.
“We are meant to understand that stress, depression, loss of job, drug abuse among youths and poor economic situations are parts of the reasons that could lead to suicide attempt. It is our desire to reduce it and even possibly stop it.”
Speaking during the visit, the Chief Medical Director of Karu General Hospital, Dr. Marcus Mamman, said suicidal attempts were on the increase in recent time and now at the doorsteps of people.
He said, “We have a lot of things that can make people think of it. Your association (Pyrates) is one of those few that have identified with Karu General Hospital which is one of the General Hospitals in the FCT with clinics dedicated to psychiatric sections.’’ Punch
