Abstract: In Nigeria, like most parts of the world, investigation revealed that suicide behaviour has being socio-culturally oriented, fueling negative attitudes toward the act, perpetuating secrecy which includes non-reporting. Suicide, which refers to taken one’s life by self is associated with factors such as; depression, alcoholism, hopelessness, substance abuse, possession of lethal weapons, terminal illness, loss of loved ones and bankruptcy or collapse of business. The paper was an ethical appraisal of suicide in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of suicide in Nigeria, identify the possible causes of the rising cases of suicide in Nigeria, examine the implications of suicide on the Nigerian society especially the youth and to proffer workable solutions through examining guidance and counselling ways through which suicide can be effectively managed in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Materials for the study were drawn from primary and secondary sources. The study also found that most Nigerians viewed suicide unfavourably based on the belief in the sanctity of life argument. The paper also found that suicide had implications on the society. The paper suggests that all stakeholders, including government, nongovernmental organizations and others, should mount a formidable advocacy towards the reduction of suicide in Nigeria, the press and all media organizations should be involved in regular enlightenment of the public on the harm done by suicide, medical organizations, like the hospitals, should be involved in rendering prompt attention to those who exhibit suicidal behaviour and those at risk. The paper concluded that life is sacred nobody has the authority to take life.
Keywords: depression, alcoholism, hopelessness, medical organizations.
Title: SUICIDES AMONG YOUTHS IN NIGERIA: A COUNSELLING RESPONSE
Author: Alhaji Thomas
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
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