A Counseling Psychologist, Joy Anima Debrah, has called on the general public to extend help to persons who are brave enough to share their suicidal thoughts and what is bothering them.
She observed that most of victims have mental issues including depression or may be going through financial or other life challenges, therefore need help.
She said this following the decriminalization of suicide by Parliament.
Ghana’s Parliament has approved amendments to the Criminal Offenses Act of 1960, which previously made attempted suicide a criminal offence.
As per the recent changes, individuals who attempt to take their own life will now be regarded as needing mental health support rather than facing imprisonment under the law.
Should the President give his assent, the bill would guarantee that individuals who survive attempted suicide are no longer in danger of being arrested, charged, and punished, but rather would have access to medical and psychological assistance.
Health experts in Ghana have been pushing for this amendment, citing the need for medical assistance for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Speaking on Atinka TV‘s morning show, Ghana Nie with Ama Gyenfa Ofosu Darkwa, Joy Anima Debrah said the decriminalization of suicide was apt because those who attempt suicide rather need counseling or the necessary professional help.
She said this milestone will help people not to adopt lethal methods to commit suicide, adding that it will reduce the methods used to committing suicide.
“For people who go through that situation, we need to give them help. If there is help, then the stigmatisation that you have done something that no one has done, families feel that you have disgraced them must stop and then we can lend the needed support to such people who need them,” she said.
For those who feel life has not been fair to them and decide to take their lives, she urged them not to lose hope, saying life was given to us by God and so no one has to take their lives.
“If someone discusses their problems with you, attempt to assist them. Conversely, we should not give up on ourselves. Let’s assist others. If a person confides in you that they are confronting difficulties in life and you provide them with reassurance and a small amount of assistance, it provides them with some relief.
“Sometimes when people talk about suicide, we take it for granted, as if they are just saying it, but they mean it seriously, so we should take them seriously,” she said.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori