By Justina Auta
Rotary District 9127 on Wednesday sensitised FCT students on ways to overcome suicidal thoughts, stigmatisation and overwhelming stress that might affect mental health.
Mike Nwanoshiri, the 9127 District 2024-2025 Governor, said the exercise was to commemorate the 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day with the theme “Changing the Narrative on Suicide” at Government Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, Abuja.
Nwanoshiri, who was represented by Nnoka Mbamefo, the Past District Governor, said the engagement was to enlighten youths on appropriate ways to address issues that may result to suicide and other mental health challenges.
He said “we are in school today to sensitise students and let them know that the best thing is not to take your life when you are stressed or overwhelmed.
“You need to associate with people, talk to people, let your friends and people around you know how you feel, seek for help so that people can assist you in whatever area you are suffering.”
Joy Okoro, District Governor-elect, District 9127, noted the high records of suicide globally, stressing the need for stakeholders to engage in advocacies and support people to overcome challenges.
“Whatever is the problem you are going through, communicate with people, and let your parents be in the forefront of all the issues you are involved in,” she said.
Also, Ifidon Anita, a Guidance Counsellor and Chairperson, Organising Committee, said the club was in the school with mental health experts to counsel studentsgoing through challenges or trauma.
She added that “suicide is one of the major causes of death, especially among young people, with research showing that about 70 per cent of suicidal acts
occur from the ages of 15 to 29 years, and some even less than 15 years.
“So, we came to the school with a large population to create awareness that suicide is not an option or end to a means.
“There are other means of overcoming whatever mental issues, pressure, frustration, anxiety, lack of encouragement and other challenges,” she said.
Chinaemeren Iwuanyanwi, a Mental Health Advocate, advised the students to break the silence by speaking out when faced with mental health issues.
She said “suicidal thoughts come from pain, anxiety and challenges. So, the more we open up and talk about these challenges and gain clarity on how to manage situations, the better for us and the less recorded cases of suicide.
Ugwu David, a student, said he has learnt ways to overcome challenges and not allow peer pressure or stigmatisation affect any decision he makes.
Similarly, Miracle Obiakor, a senior student, stressed the need for parents and guardians to support and encourage younger ones to address their challenges.
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