By Chukwuka Ugokwe
A lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Sr. Dr. Chrysantus Onwurah, has urged young people facing emotional distress to seek help from counsellors and other support services instead of suffering in silence.
Speaking during the Peer Educator Suicide Prevention Awareness Campaign at the ASUU Secretariat Hall, she said financial hardship, academic failure, relationship breakdowns and untreated mental health conditions are among the factors that can increase suicide risk.
The event, themed “Life is Worth Living: Together, We Can Prevent Suicide,” trained peer educators to identify warning signs, provide support and encourage affected students to access professional help through the university’s counselling, medical and student support services.
Dr. Onwurah stressed that listening without judgment and reducing stigma can help save lives, urging students to look out for warning signs such as reckless behaviour, substance abuse, withdrawal and giving away valued possessions.
Participants praised the initiative and called for similar awareness programmes to be held regularly. The event also featured anti-suicide advocacy messages, paper presentations, cultural performances and an interactive question-and-answer session.
Tags: UNIZIK, Suicide Prevention, Mental Health, Youth Awareness
