On 10th September, the world unites to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), an initiative spearheaded by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO). Under the 2024-2026 theme, “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” this year’s campaign calls on everyone to “Start the Conversation.” The goal is simple yet profound: to dismantle the deep-seated stigma surrounding suicide and mental health, replacing silence with openness and understanding.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death globally, with over 700,000 lives lost each year. A staggering number, especially in Africa, which records the highest suicide rates, with around 11 deaths per 100,000 people. In fact, six of the ten countries with the highest suicide rates worldwide are in the African region, where socio-economic challenges, lack of mental health infrastructure, and cultural stigmas exacerbate the issue. These statistics, as alarming as they are, only scratch the surface. The reality is likely more harrowing due to underreporting and societal taboos that prevent many from seeking help.
To better understand the issue, I sat down with Nour Ghaddar, a Ghanaian-Lebanese mental health advocate and counselor-in-training, to discuss the current narrative around suicide and how we can foster communities of support.
“Some of the happiest and bubbliest people may struggle with suicidal ideation,” Nour shares. This is one of the greatest tragedies of suicide: the silent suffering of many, masked by the pressures to conform and smile through their pain. “it’s key that we check in with our friends even on their good days, as some of the vital signs are not always visible or perceivable (such as isolation and silence) making a simple conversation around wellbeing so critical”. A simple ‘How are you feeling today?’ or ‘How is your heart?’ are a few of the key questions we can ask our loved ones to welcome in transparency, and solidarity and nurture a sense of being heard and seen by those around us.”
In Ghana, where discussions on mental health are still often laced with judgment and misunderstanding, suicide is considered a crime, and many activists and mental health activists like Nour are working tirelessly to challenge this unfair and harsh stigma. . Nour explains, “it is important to remove the shame and silence associated with suicide, and replace it with compassion, care, and curiosity – a listening ear goes such a long way in saving a life”
One of the most challenging aspects of suicide prevention is recognizing the signs. “Isolation, withdrawal, hopelessness, and drastic behavior changes can indicate that someone is struggling,” says Nour. “But these signs are not always visible, making regular, meaningful conversations about wellbeing all the more important.”
Although we might fear or hesitate to directly ask if someone is considering ending their life, Nour advises that “studies show that this sort of transparency, given that you are willing to be a safe space to someone, can open the door to help, rather than harm, especially given the sense of urgency sometimes required to ensure our loved ones feel supported in time. Honest and compassionate mental health conversations may seem daunting to some, but can be extremely rewarding for both those in need and those offering support. We’re at our best when we can share in life with others.”
World Suicide Prevention Day isn’t just a reminder of the lives lost to suicide; it’s a clarion call for everyone to engage in transparent, compassionate conversations about mental health. As Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, put it: “Every suicide is a tragedy, and we must invest significantly in addressing mental disorders and the wider socio-economic factors contributing to suicide in Africa.”
By “starting the conversation,” we can collectively work towards building communities where mental health struggles are met with empathy, not judgment. Creating these safe spaces is key to preventing the tragic loss of life and ensuring that every individual feels heard, valued, and supported.
In a world where suicide takes one life every 40 seconds, our collective silence is no longer an option. We must be willing to have the tough conversations, to ask how our loved ones are truly doing, and to recognise that it’s not always about having answers but about being there fully, compassionately, and without judgment. Together, we can change the narrative on suicide and, in doing so, save lives.
If you or someone you know needs help with their mental health, please check out these resource pages:
● Africa Psychosocial Support Institute: https://apssi.org/
● Equilinks: http://www.equilinks.org/
● WHO Regional Office for Africa: https://www.afro.who.int/
● The Africa Mental Health Initiative (AMHI): https://amari-africa.org/
Country-Specific Organisations:
● South Africa: South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): https://www.sadag.org/
● Nigeria: Mental Health Foundation of Nigeria: https://www.mhinnovation.net/organisations/mental-health-foundation-nigeria
● Kenya: Kenya Mental Health Association: https://www.kamh.ngo/
● Ghana: Ghana Mental Health Association: https://www.moh.gov.gh/mental-health-authority/
● Egypt: Egyptian Mental Health Association: https://www.acamh.org/hub/eacamh/
Online Resources:
● Mental Health Africa: https://mentalhealthafrica.org/
● Africa Mental Health Network: https://www.mhinnovation.net/organisations/mental-health-innovation-network-africa-mhin-africa
Note: This is not an exhaustive list and specific resources may vary depending on the country and region within Africa
Article written for African Female Voices published 11 September 2024