Social media, helpful but significant risk for mental health, suicide

A mental health specialist, Professor Adesanmi Akinsulore, has cautioned that while social media can be helpful for self-expression and connection in daily life, there are also significant risks to mental health and suicide, particularly from cyberbullying, sleep deprivation, and social comparison.

Speaking at The Still Waters (TSW) Mental Health Foundation Summit featuring the theme “Navigating the Storm: Unravelling the Intricacies of Suicide Among Students” at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Ogbomoso, Professor Akinsulore characterised social media and technology as a double-edged sword with detrimental effects that include encouraging suicidal behaviour and creating unrealistic expectations.

According to Akinsulore, a psychiatric professor at Obafemi Awolowo University in lle-Ife, Osun State, social comparison, internet obstacles, and cyberbullying can all make suicidal thoughts and actions worse.

According to the don, people may also be at risk for suicide because of things like past suicide attempts, mental illnesses, chronic pain and sickness, job or financial loss, problematic alcohol and other substance use, and hopelessness.

Professor Akinsulore stated even though suicide is preventable, the number of suicide cases in Nigeria is rising and most people who experience suicidal thoughts don’t genuinely wish to die; instead, they want to reach the end of their life or stop feeling that way.

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According to him : “A lot of times, people who are suicidal will tell somebody around them. They sometimes send it on their Facebook, WhatsApp, and other pages. Some also talk about suicide. Some people, they put their affairs in order. And they give their cherished possession away.

“In some cases, the individual lost interest in work, people, or activities previously enjoyed, or even had a sad or tearful mood. These are some warning signs for suicide. Do not leave someone who is at risk of suicide alone if you observe or hear it. Ask about suicide, be there, help keep them safe, help them connect, and follow up.

“Navigating the storm is a collective responsibility. We must work together to create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student well-being and resilience. Let us prioritise student mental health, challenge stigma and silence, and ensure that every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Founder of TSW Mental Health Foundation, Dr Tun-mise Oyewole, stated that the suicide and mental health challenges were critical issues that collectively need to be solved, particularly because no one should have to face their struggles alone.

He added, “Let us continue to build a world where no one feels unseen or unheard.

Together, we can create a future where hope thrives and silence is replaced by open, healing conversations.”