Prof. Taiwo Obindo, a psychiatrist, has supported the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, saying the move could encourage more people to seek mental health assessment, treatment and psychosocial support without fear of criminal consequences.
Obindo, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Jos and Honorary Consultant at Jos University Teaching Hospital, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, September 22. He stressed that not every suicide attempt was necessarily linked to a mental health condition and that each case required proper professional assessment.
According to him, depression and other mental health conditions could contribute to suicide, while factors such as poverty, significant losses, impulsivity, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and chronic illnesses could also increase vulnerability. He identified withdrawal, hopelessness, persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities as some warning signs.
Obindo said people who attempt suicide should be assessed to determine the underlying factors and receive appropriate treatment, rehabilitation or psychosocial support. He also noted that untreated postpartum mental health conditions could increase the risk of suicide or infanticide.
The psychiatrist, who is the immediate past President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, said the Federal Government’s move to decriminalise attempted suicide, following Federal Executive Council approval, would allow the proposal to proceed to the National Assembly. He also called for full implementation of the National Mental Health Act and the establishment of a dedicated mental health department within the Federal Ministry of Health.
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