Depression, the reason for suicidal thought among teens and youths

In Africa, suicide isn’t exactly trend­ing, as much as it is in the United States which is the 3rd leading cause of death in U.S.A, according to findings. In Africa, specifically in Nigeria, suicide is sometimes a thought that is being perused by most teenagers and youth. I am a practical example. I would say the reason why we usually don’t commit suicide in Nigeria is fear of everlasting death (hell). That was the only reason that held me back. I would say our cultural and religious believes spites and speaks ill of suicide which is the major reason why the suicide rate among blacks isn’t as much as it is among whites. My experience, I would say was as a result of depression. Suicide does not just happen. Studies show that at least 90% of teens who kill themselves have some type of mental health prob­lem, such as depression, anxiety, drug or alcohol abuse or a behaviour problem. Some teens may have been victims of sexual abuse or harassment in the past. In my case, looking back at it now, I feel really stupid because my reason for wanting to attempt suicide was not a reason at all.

I couldn’t get admission into the university. I attempted jamb 4 times. Each time, my name never came out in the admission list. I read so hard for all my exams. I had sleepless nights, I burned midnight candle, I prayed, I fasted, I did everything humanly and spiritually possible to get admission into the university and it seemed like it just wasn’t working. I felt like a failure. At my fourth JAMB, I told myself that if I didn’t get the admission that I was just going to end everything. At that time my younger brother had already gotten admission into the university. When I checked my result for the fourth jamb, the score was worse than the last 3 and I told myself it was over. I came out of the café and I felt like running into any of the moving vehicles. I wanted to, but I couldn’t define what stopped me. I felt I was a failure. I felt I had failed my par­ents. I worried about what people would think of me. I thought people would think I was a dummy. Thought people would think I was beauty without brains. I wondered what I would tell my parents when I got home. They were expectant that I would make it that time around, because I barely slept at all. I read my eyes out. I felt like a complete failure. I spoke some sense into myself. I told myself that I wasn’t a failure. I believed there was somewhere God had designed for me. One way or the other I would still make it.

Surprisingly that was the result that actually got me into school. That was just an example of what could cause one to attempt suicide. Most teens do not spend a long time planning to kill themselves, they may have thought about it or tried it in the past but only decide to do it after an event that pro­duces feelings of failure or loss, such as getting in trouble, having an argument, breaking up with a partner or a loved one.

Everybody has been through pain in their lives. Most people are still pass­ing through pain and some others have been depressed but that’s not the end of the world. That’s not reason enough for one to think of attempting suicide. There are several ways one can stop the feeling of depression, read motivational and in­spirational books. Listen to inspirational and motivational speakers as well. Be in the company of people with sound mind. Never be alone rather hang out with good friends. Teens should learn to talk and share their problems with their parents or guardians who in turn must be understanding.