Experts urge creation of safe spaces to curb youth suicide in Ekiti
Mental health professionals, youth leaders and stakeholders have called for the creation of safe spaces where young people can discuss emotional challenges without fear of stigma or judgement.
They made the call at a conference organised by Miss Precious Babatunde, member representing Ado Constituency I in the Ekiti Youth Parliament, on Saturday in Ado-Ekiti.
The conference, themed, “Youth Well-Being and Suicide Prevention in Ekiti State,” focused on promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention among young people.
Babatunde said the programme was conceived in response to concerns over increasing suicide cases among youths in the state, following discussions with the Commissioner for Youth Development before her inauguration.
She said research conducted after the discussion showed that mental health and suicide prevention still received inadequate public attention despite the growing challenges confronting young people.
Babatunde urged youths experiencing emotional or psychological difficulties not to suffer in silence but to seek help from trusted individuals and professionals.
Consultant Psychiatrist, Dr. Adedamola Igbinlade, said safe spaces were not necessarily physical locations but could be trusted individuals who listened without criticism, urging parents to create an atmosphere where young people could freely express themselves.
Igbinlade also cautioned against the casual use of the word “depression”, explaining that clinical depression was a serious medical condition requiring professional attention, while normal stress was part of everyday life.
Also speaking, Dr. Mojisola Daramola stressed the importance of early intervention, urging families, schools, religious organisations and community leaders to recognise warning signs and provide supportive environments for young people.
A student leader and medical student, Mr. Olatunji Famuyide, and another panellist, Mr. Oluwafemi Tinubu, stressed the importance of listening to youths and addressing pressures arising from academics, finances, relationships and family expectations, while urging young people to seek help when overwhelmed.