Tamale: The Total Life Enhancement Centre (TOLECGH), a psychology-focused organization, has called for a change in the way society perceives and responds to suicide. It emphasizes the need for society to move from blame and judgement to understanding, early intervention, and compassionate support for people experiencing psychological distress.
According to Ghana News Agency, TOLECGH stated that suicide should not be viewed simply as an individual act or a consequence of personal weakness but as a complex phenomenon influenced by biological, psychological, social, cultural, and economic factors. This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Mr. Peter Mintir Amadu, Clinical Health Psychologist and Executive Director of TOLECGH, and shared with the agency in Tamale. The statement was part of activities to commemorate this year's World Suicide Prevention Day.
Observed annually on September 10, the Day is being commemorated this year on the theme: 'Changing the Narrative on Suicide'. The statement highlighted that the theme requires collective action from individuals, families, institutions, professionals, and communities to create a more supportive environment for people experiencing psychological distress.
It further explained that psychological distress often remains hidden in communities due to stigma, misconceptions, fear of judgement, limited access to professional services, and cultural interpretations of mental health challenges. It noted that young people, women, survivors of violence, vulnerable groups, and marginalized populations might face additional barriers in accessing appropriate mental health and psychosocial support.
TOLECGH called for a shift from silence and judgement towards early identification of psychological distress, compassionate engagement, professional intervention, and sustained support for people experiencing mental health challenges. It emphasized that families, schools, workplaces, religious institutions, and communities have important roles to play in creating supportive environments where individuals can talk about their emotional and psychological difficulties and seek help without being labelled, ridiculed, or condemned.
The statement also stressed that effective suicide prevention requires attention to the whole person, explaining that psychological interventions should be complemented by supportive relationships, functional referral systems, and appropriate social and economic support. It urged stakeholders to pay attention to changes in mood, behavior, daily functioning, social interaction, and expressions of hopelessness, saying early recognition of such changes could facilitate timely intervention and prevent situations from escalating.
Moreover, the statement encouraged mental health professionals and community stakeholders to strengthen their capacity in suicide risk identification, assessment, crisis intervention, referral, and follow-up care. It underscored that individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors should receive professional attention, dignity, and non-judgemental support.
TOLECGH's statement concluded by emphasizing that changing the narrative on suicide requires society to replace blame with understanding, silence with safe conversations, crisis response with prevention, and isolation with connectedness. It affirmed that suicide prevention is possible when individuals, families, mental health professionals, institutions, and communities work together to identify psychological distress early and provide appropriate support. The statement noted that a conversation, timely intervention, and supportive relationship could make a difference in the life of a person experiencing psychological distress.