As part of measures to stem the tide of increasing rate of suicide among youths, experts have urged students suffering from depression to speak out and seek solutions to their problems.
The experts gave the advice at a sensitisation seminar organised by the National Association of University Women (NAUW) of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
They suggested that depressed students should open up about their challenges with parents, friends, lecturers and the university’s counseling unit for the solution to their problems.
In her submission, Prof. Helen Bodunde defined depression as a mental health challenge that causes people to experience low mood, loss of interest, feelings of guilt, disturbed sleep, low appetite and poor concentration.
Bodunde, who said that anybody could be depressed, noted that the causes of depression might be attributed to biological or genetic factor, family background, psychological or social problems and poor nutrition.
She mentioned other causes of depression like loss of a loved one, drug abuse and health challenges such as terminal diseases.
Bodunde of the Department of Communications, listed the symptoms of depression to include tiredness, loss of energy, anxiety, loneliness, shabby dressing and sleeplessness.
‘’Though the stages of depression may be mild, I advise victims to speak out to their friend, parents and lecturers, particularly the women of the NAUW and the Counseling Unit of the Students Affairs Division.
‘’Suicide is never the solution to depression and I urge students to look after themselves by helping one another and also consider eating balanced and healthy foods,’’ she said.
Another Speaker, Mr Timothy Adebesin, a Mass Communication graduate called on students to choose friends they move with wisely, saying that such could lead them to taking irrational steps capable of ending their lives.
‘’Determination is a father of distinction. Have a focus and you will be focused,’’ Adebesin said.
Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), Prof. Morenike Dipeolu, told the students that challenges were part of life that brought out the best in every individual.
She urged students to speak out when faced with unexpected challenges.
According to her, there is no challenge that cannot be surmounted, because with God, all things are possible.
‘’Suicide is not, cannot, should not and ought not to be the solution,’’ Dipeolu said.
In her welcome address, the President of NAUW, FUNAAB Chapter, Prof. Comfort Onifade noted that growing rate of attempted suicide in Nigeria had been giving mothers grave concern, hence the resolve to organise the programme.
She said that the seminar educated, enlightened and informed the students that ‘’suicide is not the solution to life’s challenges’’.
