Experienced Kenyan mental wellness practitioners have called for every individual in society to be the first line of defense against suicide.
Speaking yesterday during Amazing Potential Ltd’s webinar titled “Suicide Prevention: Everyone has a role”, they have said that even before we get to the professional support, individuals who are primarily first responders need to be equipped with the right attitude and skillset to respond safely in order to save lives.
The meeting brought together different players from different industries including Mindset and Behavior Change coaches, Clinical Psychologists, Community Champions, Medical Practitioners, former victims of suicide and creatives.
“We keep saying we need referrals for professional help but even before that, we as the community are the first responders so with the right approach we can save lives”
Said Nanjala Kabira, a Clinical Psychologist and Therapist
This session was held to mark the suicide prevention month of September as well as create awareness
on the role of everyone in preventing suicide related cases
“Every 44 seconds, someone dies from suicide in the world”
Pointed Nanjala.
This, coupled with other data from the Ministry of Health, fueled the need to understand what suicide is and how to respond safely.
It was mentioned that suicide deaths are not just the only concern but the whole concept of suicidal ideation that involves the thoughts, attempts, self harm and even homicide.
The meeting also explored some common misconceptions around suicide including associating suicidal ideation with attention seeking and this has been showing itself online where people are making suicidal statements but are met with harsh responses which often catalyzes the suicidal acts.
“I personally do check ins online whenever I come across these statements because they do not have to be my friends or family for me to respond, every life matters”
Said Peter Waithaka, a mindset and behavior change coach.
Some of the causes were attributed to tough upbringing where children go through extreme hard life that often leads to difficult adulthood if left unattended to.
“Some of our cultures are serious triggers. For me I have experienced the weight placed on first borns and the lack of support especially psychological and emotional. It is tough.”
Admitted MJ, a community champion.
It was also agreed that everyone needs to be aware of the warning signs including isolation, underperformance, irritability, suicidal statements, risky behaviors, loss of hope among many others.
Due to the multifactorial nature of suicide, everyone has to be keen and look for all the available signs.
More of these sessions were requested by participants and this allows APL Kenya to continue with its efforts around elevating human capacity in Kenya.
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Great insight! Too many people have houses and not homes. A house where you can’t openly share what you are actually going through even with your partner. Normalize asking people whether at home or at your the workplace, ‘How are you doing?’ and truly meaning it. It could be all it takes to prevent someone from taking their life away.
Indeed sir!