Stakeholders in the health sector in the Upper West Region have expressed grave worry about the rising number of suicide attempts in the region.
This was after more than 90 people attempted to take their own lives within the last 3 years.
Out of the said figure, some 9 people lost their lives through the act.
The situation, according to the Upper West Region Mental Health Unit raises concerns about the current mental state of most people living in the region.
The Acting Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Sylvester Basagnia, spoke to A1 Radio’s Upper West Regional Correspondent at Wa in line with the celebration of the World Suicide Prevention Day.
He said in 2019, thirty-seven persons attempted suicides with three losing their lives in the act.
In 2020, thirty-eight persons attempted suicides; resulting in five deaths.
According to Mr. Basagnia, as at August this year, the region had recorded 21 attempted suicides with one death.
Outlining the key drivers for suicide in the region, he mentioned depression, work related issues and issues arising from marriages and other amorous relationships.
“People who commit suicides may have needed some level of attention; when they do not get this attention, then the go to the extreme. Once we identify someone who attempted to commit suicide, we try to give them the attention and try to elicit whatever factors may have triggered the action. Once we pick out the key issues that led to the frustration, we try to offer hope to the person. When this is done, the persons appreciate life better.” He explained.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is focused on the theme; “Creating Hope through Action.” In lieu of this, the Upper West Regional Mental Health Unit has strengthened its effort at public education.
According to Mr. Basagnia, when people become aware that there is help available to persons who suffer from mental health conditions, they are more inclined to seek it.
He continued that the public education was also to raise the awareness of caregivers and the public on traits of common mental health conditions like Depression. Adding that when people are aware of these, they would be in better positions to help persons with mental health conditions to overcome their conditions.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Ghana
