BY ANKELI EMMANUEL, Sokoto –
The United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF) has decried increase in incidences of suicides in Nigeria especially amongst young persons and students in the universities and other higher institutions.
A Basic Mental Health and Psychological Support (MHPSS) consultant with UNICEF, Mr Wayne Bleier, disclosed this on Wednesday during a 3-day MHPSS Training of Trainer in Sokoto State.
“Family history of children is a greater determinant of higher indicators of suicide. And in Nigeria, adolescent and youths who are lacking in family and social support who experience low self esteem, trauma, sibling rivalry, step parents issues, emotional neglect, physical and sexual abuse and domestic violence, pregnancy, loss of friends, have tendencies towards suicide “”. Wayne noted.
He said there is the need for widespread services of such mental health experts across the country.
Wayne, who said incidences of suicide has greater linkage to family history, further added that adverse childhood experiences also increases higher chances of disruptive Neuro development.
While noting that mental health is very crucial to humanity, Mr Wayne said categories of mental health depends on interplay of diverse factors and signs displayed. adding that, it is in continuum that ranges from positive mental health to mild, time-limited distressed to chronic and serverly disabled conditions.
Continuing he said, adverse childhood experiences leads to disrupted Neuro development, hence the need widespread presence of community based and specialized therapy MHPSS services.
Giving objectives of the training, Mr Wayne said, it will help professionals working with children the skills needed to successfully provide the needed mental health and psychological support to distressed children.
He further noted that the 30 participants at the training which includes, supervisors, case management, teachers, health workers, CSOs as well as traditional and religious leaders will understand children reactions to distress by developmental stages and useful resiliency theory for treating those in distress.
Amongst those in the training also include, UNICEF, Sokoto Field Office Child Protection Specialists, Mr Pius Uwamanua and the Child Protection Officer, Mr Chibuzor Nwokorie.
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