Some residents of Port Harcourt have been sharing how they would react if someone close to them was feeling suicidal.
“I would sit them down, encourage them, and let them know life can get better,” a respondent told Nigeria Info.
“The best thing is to counsel them and ensure they are going out to where people are," added another.
A third resident said, “I would stay close to the person, keep talking to them, and not let them feel alone. I would also read the scriptures to them and tell them Jesus loves them, and not be judgmental at all.”
While these residents emphasised comfort, closeness, and faith, mental health experts say spotting early signs is just as important in saving lives.
The Warning Signs
Psychologist Joshua Baridumbari says people considering suicide rarely reveal their intentions, which makes it harder to detect.
“Withdrawal from usual activities, sudden mood changes, and constant deep thoughts could all be red flags,” he explained.
Baridumbari advised loved ones to listen with empathy rather than criticise or dismiss those struggling with suicidal thoughts.
He warned against telling such a person to “just pray” instead of seeking professional care. Reducing stigma, he said, and creating more awareness about depression will help prevent suicide.
His concerns are echoed by psychiatrists who believe that poor knowledge of depression continues to fuel the problem.
Low Awareness of Depression
Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Chukwuma Okafor of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital warned that poor awareness of depression is putting more people at risk.
“Depression can show up as persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, poor concentration, sleep problems, weight or appetite changes, and feelings of helplessness or worthlessness," he said.
Dr. Okafor explained that depression could be mild, moderate, or severe. While mild cases may improve with support from loved ones, moderate to severe cases often require therapy, medication, or both.
“We must stop calling people with depression weak,” he stressed. “Even the biblical King Saul, who was a strong leader, suffered depression.”
Global Context
World Suicide Prevention Day is marked every 10th of September to raise awareness of the issue.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says more than 720,000 people die by suicide each year, making it the third leading cause of death among 15- to 29-year-olds.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus has urged a shift from stigma to empathy, alongside more investment in mental health care.
Meanwhile, Nigeria is moving to decriminalise attempted suicide by December 2025. Health Minister Muhammad Pate said a national task force has finalised a bill to replace punitive laws with care and support for survivors, bringing the country in line with global best practices.
