Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) has urged the
Federal Government to take proactive steps towards addressing the
economic hardship in the country. The group made the call on the heels of rising cases of suicide in
the country, which it said, has its roots in the hard times being
experienced by most Nigerians.
About 788,000 suicide deaths were recorded globally in 2015 and
depression was responsible for more than half of all suicide attempts
while about seven million Nigerians live with depression
President
of SOFPON, Dr. Akin Moses, who briefed journalists on World Family
Doctors Day 2017 yesterday in Abuja, said about 53.5 percent of
Nigerians live below the poverty line compared to other African
countries, which have a lower percentage.
He also disclosed that negative events such as bereavement, job
losses, financial difficulties, divorce, loneliness and child abuse,
among others could trigger depression.
People with chronic pains, illnesses, caregiver burden, patient on
certain drugs and those abusing drugs such as cocaine, narcotics and
alcohols risked increased depression.
He noted that in Nigeria only one fifth of those with depressive
episode receive any treatment while only one out of 50 persons receive
adequate treatment, adding that most health care providers do not
suspect or even recognise depression unless it was severe.
Moses added that most Nigerians, because of the stigma associated
with the disease, were afraid of going for treatment or even seeking
counsel on their condition.