Although Africa is the world’s largest and second most populous continent, research on suicide in Africa is limited by a lack of systematic data collection.

Suicide is the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. Suicide and suicide attempts cause serious emotional, physical, and economic impacts. But, the good news is that suicide is preventable and everyone has an important role to play to save lives and build a healthier society.

Many African countries are faced with the challenges surrounding suicide and suicidal behaviours. There is a lack of comprehensive research and professional help available to tackle with these challenges.

SUICIDE RATE IN AFRICA
Suicide rates in Africa have been thought to be very low because there isn’t much information known about the incidence and patterns of suicide and suicide attempts across the continent.

Due to the socio-cultural factors of the continent, suicide mortality rates may be underreported, underestimated or kept hidden from the public. This creates a huge limitation for the problems and issues surrounding suicide and suicidal behaviours to be properly addressed.

Studies report on suicide shows higher rates in males than in females. Though, the gender difference in rates may vary across different countries.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in young people. But, it doesn’t necessarily mean that only young people die by suicide. Young people experience more stress, this could be due to unmet expectations and demands from their governments. When emotionally overwhelmed, in the absence of people to confide in, they tend to develop suicidal thoughts.

Challenges to suicide also include stigma. People thinking of taking their own life or who have attempted suicide are not seeking help, and when they do, may likely not get the help they need.

The prevention of suicide has not been adequately addressed due to a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem. Suicide is one of the taboo topics in Africa and only a few countries have included suicide prevention in their health sector.

There is an urgent need for qualitative studies and research to be done in Africa, to compile reliable suicide mortality statistics. Raising community awareness and removing the taboo is important for African countries to make progress in preventing suicide.

RISK FACTORS
The risk factors for suicide in Africa include physical health problems, mental health problems and socioeconomic problems. These problems when individually identified may include;

1. Lack of health care, especially mental health treatment
2. loss of a relationship
3. Poverty/financial problems
4. Unemployment/loss of a job
5. Stigma associated with asking for help
6. Lack of family or social support
7. Mental illness
8. Alcohol and other substance use disorders
9. Victimization
10. Abandonment by a loved one
Note that these risk factors are likely to vary across different regions and cultural groups.

Risk factors are characteristics that make it more likely for a person to consider, attempt or die by suicide, they do not cause or predict a suicide.

SUICIDE PREVENTION
Suicide is preventable. Suicide prevention is measures taken to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. These measures start with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously.

Warning signs of suicide:
1. Talking or writing about suicide
2. Suicidal statements even on social media
3. Seeking access to the means to die by suicide
4. Social withdrawal
5. High-risk and self-destructive behaviour...

Read more..https://mymentalhealthandi.com/what-if-every-suicide-in-africa-could-be-prevented/