**Fatshimetrie Decriminalizes the Act of Despair: A Mental Health Emergency in Nigeria**
At the heart of an architectural and societal debate, informed minds are rising up to demand the decriminalization of attempted suicide in Nigeria. An issue that highlights a mental health crisis exacerbated by obsolete and harsh laws.
With no less than 15,000 annual deaths by suicide, or a rate of 6.9 per 100,000 according to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is becoming urgent to rethink the way society addresses this scourge. By criminalizing the desperate act of wanting to end one’s life, Nigeria risks underestimating the true extent of the crisis.
Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, former President of the Association of Psychiatrists of Nigeria and initiator of the Nigeria Suicide Prevention Task Force, advocates for more compassion and support for those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
“The criminalization of attempted suicide is a relic of a bygone era. It not only stigmatizes those who seek help, but also deters them from seeking assistance for fear of legal repercussions,” Sheikh says with palpable conviction.
He points out that the current law, dating back to the colonial era, overlooks the complex factors that underlie suicidal behavior, such as mental health disorders, substance abuse and social stresses. This reflection comes as part of the recently held National Conference on Suicide Prevention, which focused on the urgent need to decriminalize attempted suicide.
Indeed, the stigma surrounding mental health and the fear of criminalization often prevent people in distress from seeking help, thereby increasing the risk of suicide. To change this, it is crucial to recognize suicide attempts as a desperate cry for help rather than a criminal act.
Statistics reveal that nearly 90% of suicide deaths are associated with a diagnosis of mental health or substance use disorders. Among those with mental disorders, 70% are linked to depressive disorders.
In this context, mental health is defined as a state of emotional, psychological and social well-being, influencing our thoughts, feelings and actions. Promoting, protecting and preserving one’s mental health is essential to avoid psychological distress and mental illness.
Limited access to mental health services and the social determinants of suicide are worrying realities in Nigeria. For every suicide death, there are estimated to be at least 20 attempts, meaning that nearly 300,000 Nigerians in suicidal distress are faced with the painful question of seeking help without fear of punishment..
It is high time that Nigeria, one of the few countries where suicide remains a crime, takes concrete steps to modernize its mental health laws. State intervention is crucial to strengthen mental health services and address the stigma surrounding suicide.
In conclusion, decriminalizing attempted suicide in Nigeria is a major public health issue that requires concerted and urgent action. It is imperative to change the narrative on suicide, promote awareness, and encourage individuals in distress to seek help without fear of legal reprisals.
In a country seeking social and human progress, decriminalizing the act of despair is a first step towards a more inclusive and compassionate society towards its most vulnerable citizens.
The road is long, but the voices raised to champion this noble and necessary cause reflect a renewed hope, a deep conviction that every life matters and deserves to be saved.