The news of a former CEO of an e-commerce brand who killed himself last year by jumping from the balcony of his Lekki residence was greeted with more bewilderment than sympathy.
Many struggled to understand why a business mogul, portrayed by partners as “animated and hard-working,” had chosen to end what appeared a brilliant life.
But this public surprise mirrors the general reactions to reports of suicide—a complex problem that’s historically confounded psychologists and sociologists alike.
Part of the perplexity is due to the fact that predicting who will act on suicidal thoughts remains incredibly difficult, despite advances in study.
Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, surpassing the death tolls from HIV/AIDS and even breast cancer. Nearly 730,000-odd people take their own lives each year. Low- and middle-income countries accounted for 77% of global cases in 2021.
Criminalising suicide
The World Health Organisation estimates that around 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide each year, among the highest tolls in Africa. Yet the true figures are likely higher.
Nigeria is one of 20 countries where attempting suicide is regarded as a crime under the Criminal Code Act. Survivors are liable to serve one year in prison if prosecuted. These legal sanctions inevitably ensure that a lot of cases are unreported.
Last year, police officials arrested a man in Abuja who had scaled a telecommunications mast in a bid to kill himself.
Still, the penal sanctions have not deterred Nigerians from killing themselves. Between June and September 2024, nearly a dozen cases of suicide were reported.
Given the plethora of research surrounding suicide, why are there increasing reports of cases?
According to a new study published by Psychology Online, previous research has focused largely on why an adolescent or young adult might want to die.
In a bid to get a nuanced understanding about suicide among teens, the authors asked suicidal American adolescents their strongest reasons for remaining alive.
The responses implied a deep need for belonging among the respondents. A large majority could identify their core reasons for living despite the anguish that had plagued them prior.
While some feared the anguish that would befall their family in the wake of their death, others fretted over the physical pain of snuffing out their lives. A few cited religious concerns.
“This suggests that even in crisis, many young people retain a desire to live if they can anchor themselves to something—or someone—that matters,” the authors wrote.
A complex interplay
The factors responsible for suicide are multifaceted. An oft-cited culprit, though, is mental crisis, which is particularly acute among young people. 20-somethings are increasingly reporting deeper levels of misery than any age group.
This depressing prospect is manifested in WHO data showing suicide to be the third leading cause of death among those aged 15–30.
Although there has been a growing wave of awareness over the years, the stigma surrounding these issues remains widespread, especially in Nigeria.
Thanks to their devout religious beliefs, many Nigerian families still attribute mental illness to spiritual attacks and moral failings. As such, they may hide suicide-related deaths to avoid shame and discrimination.
The vehement opposition to media reports by the late ex-CEO’s family illustrates this dynamic.
Yet the factors for suicide are just as mental as they are economic. Persistent unemployment and poverty in Nigeria have deepened the disillusionment, especially among its young population. Most of the cases reported last year were linked to worsening financial difficulties.
Noting the ineffectiveness of its heavy-handed approach, the federal government has expressed plans to repeal the legislation against attempted suicide by December.
This shift towards decriminalisation is an urgent intervention to erase the stigma surrounding suicide. It spurs more people to talk and receive the therapy they need to get better.
It’s impossible to inspire a cultural shift towards suicide if the national law continues to treat it as an alien behaviour deserving punishment.
Research has consistently shown that youngsters are most vulnerable to depression—and, ultimately, suicide. The new study on Psychology Online shows how empathy and rapport can save the day.
The unexpected suicide of a former e-commerce CEO highlights the complex and often baffling nature of suicide, a significant issue globally and particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries. Predicting suicidal actions remains a challenge despite extensive research, with Nigeria experiencing a high suicide rate partly due to its criminalization, which discourages reporting and accurate data. Recent studies suggest that young people maintain a desire to live, driven by a need for belonging and concerns for loved ones, although factors such as mental health crises and economic hardship, including unemployment and poverty, contribute significantly.
Nigeria's approach to suicide, heavily influenced by cultural stigma and religious beliefs, often leads to suicides being concealed to avoid discrimination. The federal government's plan to decriminalize attempted suicide aims to reduce stigma and encourage seeking help. The increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues and empathy, as highlighted in research, are crucial in addressing the susceptibility of youth to depression and suicide. A cultural shift is necessary, alongside legal changes, to foster environments that support mental health and prevent suicide.
