Suicide Prevention Awareness Month : Before another young Ghanaian says goodbye
James sits in his room in total darkness and silence at 1:34 a.m fixing his eyes on absolutely nothing and convincing himself that he’s listening to the music playing. His family thinks he is asleep. What could someone be doing at that time of the night other than sleeping? Most of his friends have not even realised that he has been off social media for three weeks. Those who realised think he is…
In the darkness of early morning, James fixates on an empty space, convinced he hears music. His loved ones believe he is resting, while friends presume his social media silence is an attention-seeking act. Little do they know, James has been battling inner turmoil for weeks, with minimal interaction and erratic eating habits. The constant question echoing in his mind is whether anyone would miss him if he disappeared tomorrow.
This sentiment is shared by many young Ghanaians who, on the surface, appear fine, but inside, they grapple with overwhelming despair.
According to Mental Health Authority records, 134 individuals took their lives in the first half of 2024, a figure that climbed to 175 in 2025, with the majority being males aged 15 to 29. These statistics are likely a fraction of the actual toll, as many cases remain unreported. The underlying causes—unemployment, familial pressure, academic stress, financial struggles, and substance abuse—are well-documented, yet the conversation often stops there.
The root of the issue lies in the lack of understanding and support from those who can make a difference: parents.
Parents often prioritize academic achievement and discipline, failing to recognize the myriad challenges their children face. They may dismiss concerns, pushing their children to excel without offering emotional support or understanding. For many young people, the expectation to succeed academically is immense, leading to a distorted sense of self-worth tied to their grades. Parents' communication styles—often rushed and dismissive—can further alienate their children, leaving them with no one to confide in.
Moreover, young people struggle to discuss mental health openly due to fear of ridicule or being perceived as seeking attention. Families, schools, workplaces, and religious institutions frequently discourage such conversations, either by labeling the topic as inappropriate or by misinterpreting it as a sign of weakness. Consequently, these young individuals carry their burdens alone, hoping for a solution that never arrives.
They live in constant fear, unable to seek help from the very institutions designed to support them.
Journalists and media outlets bear a significant responsibility in addressing this crisis. They must report on suicide cases with sensitivity and depth, going beyond the surface-level statistics to explore the underlying issues. By doing so, they can create a more profound impact, fostering awareness and encouraging those in need to seek help.
The loss of young individuals like James, whose struggles remain unknown to those closest to him, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for change. It is time to move beyond mere acknowledgment of the problem and actively engage in finding solutions, starting with understanding and support from those in positions of influence.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
