Since the world became a global village life has become more complex and anonymous. The advent of technology, social media, smart phones, 24/7 television channels, streaming giants have created more buzz, fun and voyeurism.
Today anyone with data and a smartphone can gain access to the high and mighty. They can claim familiarity with Royalty, celebrities, superstar athletes, business moguls and tech founders.
There’s literally nothing hidden again as relentless bloggers and pundits take delight in risque exposure of well heeled and highly connected individuals.
This constant din could be a teaching tool for the smart or could be a damning tool for the weak.
Smart people are making a living online in content creation, real estate, coaching, forex trading, food export and more. While others merely scroll endlessly consuming content without improving their lives.
Such people could unknowingly be open to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, fear, revulsion about their own life situations.
Experts have cited excessive consumption of social media as a major source of unhappiness.
Having a supposed ringside seat to the illuminating lives of gliteratti tend to stoke tension in the lives of some people who are not aware that social media is just an illusion.
They are unaware of the synchronized packaging of A listers for entertainment and fast money.
This year’s edition of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month seems to address the situation. It has adopted as it’s theme ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
This theme aims to reduce stigma of mental health challenges and generate more empathetic conversations.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) the objective is destroy the culture of shame and silence surrounding suicide.
Women’s Hub has identified the following tools to promote mental health amongst professional women. Thereby reducing suicide thoughts and actions.
Suicide causes deep pain for the family members left behind. Some never recover leading to more unresolved family trauma and damage.
Here goes:
- Community: Reduction of anonymous living in urban centers. People should endeavour to belong to community groups for physical interaction and activities. Could be religious, cultural, professional. Don’t be solo.
- Life skills: People need to spend time on emotional management. Knowing that bad seasons give way to good seasons too. Senior citizens can help in this area.
- Engagement/Support: More support should be given to vulnerable people through active engagement and interaction. Offering and showing love and empathy as required.
- Media Advocacy: Adequate information should be distilled on mental health challenges and solutions through the media.
- Be your neighbour’s keeper: Each one reach one should be a watch word. Stronger people should look out for weaker people in their space.
Will you join in?
Please join this conversation with your comments and feedback to mooborscounsellingroom@gmail.com
By Mubo Okosun
Women’s Editor.
