Cases Of Depression And Suicide Increasing At Universities And Colleges

Students at tertiary institutions have heightened calls for greater attention and awareness on mental health as cases of depression and suicide are increasing at universities and colleges.

Last month, four tertiary students committed suicide in a space of just one week. One student said:

These things are very real. They are happening to most of us. I have lost many of my friends and I know many who are suffering from depression. I have already started a campaign to help address depression because this is a reality that is facing many students.

Another noted:

Students are coming from different backgrounds where communication sometimes lack on some of these issues. What we are experiencing is a manifestation of those gaps that trigger mental health problems for students that leads to suicide.

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The students are now calling for the speedy completion of the national helpline for suicide cases.

Some students believe several other students are suffering in silence, therefore, a platform where mental health issues are being discussed can help prevent the situation from deteriorating further.

Some attribute depression, prevalent nationwide, to the deteriorating state of affairs. They say the outbreak of the coronavirus worsened the situation as many lost their sources of income.

More: ZBC News