Nigeria’s mental health advocate David Adebajo, fondly known as Dr. Preshol, has called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the complex issue of suicide in Africa, during his recent appearance on a live television program at iTV Ghana.
Adebajo, the founder of the Mental Health Symposium Africa, traveled to Ghana to share his insights on suicide awareness and prevention, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness and its connection to overall health.
“Suicide is a pressing public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities across Africa,” Adebajo said.
“While it’s not possible to predict suicide with certainty for any individual, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood. These, he said, include a history of mental health disorders, substance abuse, previous suicide attempts, access to means, social isolation, and recent stressful life events.
He said predicting suicide requires a comprehensive assessment by mental health professionals, and even then, it remains challenging due to the complex nature of suicidal behavior.
Adebajo also touched on the causes and risk factors for suicide, which he says include mental health disorders (e.g., depression, bipolar disorder), psychological factors (e.g., hopelessness, guilt, shame), environmental and social factors (e.g., trauma, abuse, social isolation), access to means (e.g., firearms, medications), and substance abuse (alcohol, hard drugs).
He emphasized the importance of listening empathetically without judgment, offering emotional support and staying connected, removing access to means of self-harm, encouraging healthy coping strategies and self-care, and urging the individual to seek professional help.
“Early intervention, emotional support, and access to appropriate mental health care are crucial in addressing suicide risk,” Adebajo said.
“By fostering a supportive environment and equipping people with the necessary resources, we can make significant strides in suicide prevention across the continent.”
Adebajo’s advocacy work has already made an impact in several African cities, including Lagos, Porto-Novo, and Accra, where he has organized mental health education programs and free medical tests.
