Senate President Godswill Akpabio has been urged by well-known Nigerian physician and health advocate Dr. Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor, to reevaluate suggested jail sentences for individuals who attempt suicide but survive.
The physician emphasized that individuals who attempt suicide should not be viewed as criminals deserving of punishment but rather as patients in need of medical care, emotional support, and understanding.
Suicide attempts are frequently associated with severe emotional suffering, mental health issues, and challenging life circumstances, according to Aproko Doctor. He thinks that incarcerating survivors could make their circumstances worse rather than solving the issues that initially prompted their suicide attempt.
Additionally, he urged lawmakers to give vulnerable people’s access to professional assistance, counseling, and support top priority in order to promote a more compassionate approach to mental health in Nigeria.
His appeal has rekindled discussions about mental health awareness and the need to eradicate the stigma associated with emotional distress and suicide. Many people think that those going through such trying times need a place where they can ask for assistance without worrying about criticism or punishment.
Personally I feel people who attempt suicide need understanding, care and professional support not jail terms that may deepen their distress. Their actions may be linked to serious personal or mental health challenges, and those underlying issues need to be addressed. Rather than sending them to prison, authorities should ensure they can access trained counsellors and appropriate mental health services to help them through the crisis and understand the value of protecting their lives.
