ELIUD MURIITHI: Suicide - the preventable tragedy in Kenya

Eliud Muriithi, Director Commercial Services, KEMSA

As I write this article, I’m devastated having lost a friend to my son who was regrettably buried mid this week after suicide within the University premises.

A brilliant mind, a top performer at Alliance High School and a third-year medical student at the University of Nairobi.

He was a young man with a promising future. I have previously written numerous articles on suicide prevention, but I write this to reiterate the urgent need for concerted effort to slay the dragon of suicide and suicide ideation.

Despite the loss of the incredible soul, I pay tribute to the many others who have lately lost their lives through suicide.

According to WHO, more than 726,000 people die of suicide every year and many more people attempt suicide.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death, especially among 15–29-year-olds.

According to WHO, there are approximately 4 suicide deaths in Kenya every day, with a crude suicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people and an age-standardised suicide rate of 11.0 per 100,000 people.

It should be noted that men are more than three times more likely than women to commit suicide. The Ministry of Health acknowledges that suicide is a serious global public health problem.

I reiterate that every suicide is a catastrophe that affects families, societies and nations.

Further, the tragedy has long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities left behind.

As a public health practitioner and having engaged in discussions with psychiatrists and therapists, I can confidently state that suicidal ideation is a preventable precursor to suicide.

Mental disorders, especially depression/stressful life events, drug and alcohol abuse are the leading causes for the increased suicide cases in Kenya.

Many suicides can be attributed to the vulnerable being unable to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

Additionally, conflict, trauma, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are also linked with suicide cases.

Few organisations in the country are providing psychological support to those in distress and despair and who are at risk of attempting suicide.

Lately, many Kenyans have experienced multiple depressing adversities socially and economically.

We all encounter depressing moments. Many misconceptions about depression abound that make it difficult for clients to seek help. A predominant myth is that depression is just sadness.

Conversely, depression is a serious medical condition that affects mood, physical health and cognitive function.

It often requires personalised and professional care through therapy, medication, or advanced interventions.

The encouraging news is that suicide is a preventable outcome. A comprehensive public health approach to suicide prevention is recommended.

A number of treatment options have been shown to offer individuals at risk of attempting suicide the support they need to avoid doing so, or to help them recover after such an attempt.

There are numerous effective interactive interventions for suicide prevention at the individual and communal levels.

The following prevention measures, among others, are considered effective:

Psychosocial support - Anyone facing depressive moments is often emotionally, mentally, physically and/or socially drained and requires empathy and needs a feeling of connectedness.

This support promotes psychosocial well-being. It includes a continuum of love, care and protection that is an essential component of nurturing care. We all need love, compassion, care and protection whilst confronting life’s difficulties.

Explore therapy. Any depressed person should consider discussing openly with an empathetic mental health professional who could support them to feel less alone, understood, and valued, during a deeply dark time in their life.

Mental health professionals equip clients with tools to challenge negative thoughts and develop much coping strategies

Early identification, assessment, management, and follow-up are essential for anyone affected by suicidal behaviours, including those expressing a desire to die, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from friends and family, or showing changes in behaviour.

Public sensitisation for all to recognise that help is available when needed, and seeking help is a sign of strength and resilience

Hospitalisation - Kenya has a few mental health facilities where patients who struggle to protect themselves for acts of suicide or self-harm, from serious risk can get the much-needed support

Medication - Mental health disorders are medical issues that often require professional intervention.

Medical treatment for those with suicidal ideation should be carried out under the careful supervision of a qualified practitioner. Those with suicidal ideation are encouraged to reach out to mental health providers or any medical practitioner

Social connectedness with others - Social isolation amplifies depression. Staying connected with family, friends, colleagues or support groups whether virtually or in person improves emotional resilience.

The above strategies are evidence-based and corroborated by the CDC, the American Psychiatric Association, Live Life, WHO suicide prevention interventions, and form the foundation of the Ministry of Health, Kenya Suicide Prevention Strategy (2021–2026).

The foregoing indubitably affirms the urgent need for a multifaceted approach in addressing the growing suicide menace in Kenya.

The most vulnerable in society who should be prioritised for relevant interventions such as youth/students, security agents, and persons diagnosed with mental health and substance use disorders.

It cannot be overemphasised that suicide in Kenya is a tragedy that has reached a horrifying state with momentous impacts on individuals, families, and society at large.

More urgent measures are required to slay this dragon. The State Department of Public Health requires support from all to implement the Kenya Suicide Prevention Strategy 2021-2026.

Eliud Muriithi

Director Commercial Services, KEMSA