Story filed by Mark Smith.
Ninety-six people in the Upper West Region have attempted suicides within the last three years. Out of that figure, some nine (9) people lost their lives through the act.
The situation, according to the Upper West Region Mental Health Unit, raises serious concerns about the mental health and well-being of persons in the region.
The Acting Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Sylvester Basagnia, speaking to GBC to mark the celebration of the World Suicide Prevention Day disclosed that in 2019, thirty-seven (37) people attempted suicide with three people losing their lives in the act.
In 2020, thirty-eight persons attempted suicide with five people also losing their lives.
According to Mr. Basagnia, as of August this year, the region has recorded 21 attempted suicide cases with one person losing their life through the act. He named depression, work-related issues, and issues emanating from marriages and other amorous relationships as key drivers for suicides in the region.
Mr Basagnia said the Mental Health Unit continues to offer the best help to such persons.
“People who commit suicide may have needed some level of attention. When they do not get this attention, then they go to the extreme. Once we identify someone who attempted to commit suicide, we try to give you the attention and try to elicit whatever factors that 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 person appreciates life better,” he explained.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day is hinged on the agenda, ‘Creating Hope through Action’. As such, the Upper West Regional Mental Health Unit has intensified its efforts at public education.
According to Mr Basagnia, when people are aware that they suffer from some mental health conditions know that help is available, they are more inclined to seek it. The education is also to raise awareness of caregivers and the public on traits of common mental health conditions like fepression.
He said when people are aware of these, they would be in better positions to help persons with mental health conditions overcome their conditions.