Suicide Prevention Strategies in Nigeria

Exploring Religious Roles, Insights, and Challenges

Datos Bibliográficos

ID3556901
AutoresCollins Ikeokwu Nwafor (0000-0002-7505-1967, Evangelical Theological Faculty, autor de correspondencia)
Año2024
Volumen15
Número1
Páginas64
Fecha de publicación2024-01-03
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaReligions (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
EditorialMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15010064
OpenAlexW4390535064
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas4
Referencias citadas45

Suicide is a pressing issue in Nigeria, often linked to the stigmatisation of mental health rooted in supernatural beliefs. Revealing one's mental health status is an invitation stigma, which discourages disclosure. The study of the problem of suicide has been reported in various academic publications that deal with the driving factors or the aftermath of suicide incidents in the country. Pastoral caregivers have been shown to play a crucial role in addressing this multifaceted problem. However, some clergy and religious caregivers lack knowledge about mental health, and healthcare providers may have negative attitudes. This conceptual review analyses the role of religion in suicide prevention, focusing on existing research in Nigeria. It examines different religious perspectives on suicide, recognising that acceptance varies within religious contexts. Chaplains and religious healthcare practitioners provide pastoral care through hospital visits, offering support, encouragement, and prayer. This paper advocates for suicide awareness in pastoral care, emphasising the importance of mental health promotion in religious communities. Recognising the challenges of identifying suicidal signs, the emotional impact, and the limited training of religious leaders, this paper concludes by highlighting the complexity of suicide prevention in religious settings. Despite the barriers, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing mental health and the importance of perseverance in prevention efforts are emphasised

Environmental health · Health care · Mental health · Pastoral care · Poison control · Political science · Politics · Prayer · Psychiatry · Religious organization · Suicide prevention · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies