SUICIDE: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND PREVENTION

The ROPE is not the SOLUTION but HOPE

What is suicide? Suicide is an act of intentionally terminating one’s life. The rise of this act nowadays is highly disturbing and if not given proper attention, it may soon spread to every family.

CAUSES OF SUICIDE ARE:

Depression: Depression is a state of accumulated sadness resulting in persistent negative mood. When one is depressed, he or she may no longer see the need to continue living. Life becomes worthless to such person and he or she may see suicide as the only option.

Failure: Failure in academics, business, premarital or marital relationship had caused people to commit suicide.

Bullying: Bullying is an anti-social behaviour intended to humiliate or threaten someone. Some victims of  bullying had committed suicide in the past.

Drug abuse and alcoholism: Drug abuse and alcoholism usually increase someone’s impulsiveness and may lead to suicide.

Lost of a loved one: The death of a family member or close friend could lead to suicide. In 2018, a woman lost her only son and when she was informed, she took knife and wanted to kill herself with it. I struggled to get the knife from her and with the help of two other people around I was able to collect the knife if not she would have killed herself.

OTHER CAUSES OF SUICIDE ARE:

Betrayal by trusted person(s).

Mental disorder.

Frustration.

Sexual abuse.

Job lost.

SYMPTOMS OF SUICIDE ATTEMPT:

•     Constant complaint about issues of life.
•     Often making statement relating to killing Oneself.
•     Living a secluded life.
•     Withdrawal from public occasions, friends and family members.
•     A history of suicidal case in a family or among friends.
•     Easy access to harmful materials.

HOW TO PREVENT SUICIDE OCCURRENCE:

The prevention of suicide is a collective effort of the government, the religious institutions, the community, the family and the individuals.

v  Government should provide good job, social amenities like amusement parks where people can easily go to relax themselves at low or no fee.

v  Government should establish more psychiatric centers and employ more professionals that can attend to the mental health of the people.

v  Just as we have primary health centres, the government should establish primary psychiatric centres or have a unit of such in the primary health centres.

v  More awareness about suicide should be encouraged on various media.

v  Religious institutions should not neglect the issue of suicide. They should intensify preventive awareness of it.

v  Our online and offline communities, schools, workplaces etc, should avoid bullying and other negative behaviour that could lead to humiliation, shame, fear, nakedness, etc of any individual.

v  The family should create a loving and caring atmosphere in the home where every child or family member will be happy to belong and freely express himself or herself.

v  An individual having suicidal thought should speak to someone, a counselor, family member or close person that is trustworthy. 

 

Do not kill yourself.There is hope for you. Trust God for a better tomorrow.

HOW TO ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL

INTRODUCTION:   

Academic excellence is what most students always hope to achieve. But only few usually get it in reality.   

While majority of students depend on luck, the few others depend on full preparation.  I need to tell you that excellence does not come by luck but by good preparation.  

To tower high above your colleagues in your academics, you need to engage yourself in serious studies.  The guidelines below are helpful insight for you.  

1.      Attend classes regularly: 

Your regular attendance in classes will go a long way to help you succeed excellently in you academics. This is due to the fact that you will understand better what the teacher says on certain  topic and the illustration that best help convey the topic. You will also be able to ask your teacher questions in areas you do not understand.  You can be sure your notes can be accurate while you are present in class. 

2.      Jot down while the teacher teaches: 

You should make some jottings while your teacher teaches in class.  Facts and vital points  mentioned by your teacher while teaching on a certain topic should  be jotted down  by you, and if possible, in the easier way you know  you can understand it better.

3.      Write notes regularly: 

When your teacher gives you notes, ensure you write up to date because you will need them to pass your test/exams.  

4.      Ask your teacher questions: 

Do not fear to ask your teacher question[s] on areas you don’t understand while he was teaching.  The teacher will explain it again for you to understand it.  Whatever you don't understand in class, feel free to ask your teacher for better explanation. 

5.      Design your own ‘personal study plan’:

Personal Study Plan (P.S.P.) is a great help for your academic excellence.   It shows the time and what [subject/course] you should study on daily basis while at home after school hours. Follow your personal study plan and you will realize how outstanding your performance will be in your academics generally.  Always avoid things that will take away your study time. 

6.      Read Extensively: 

If you must excel in your academics, you need to read extensively.  Read your notes, textbooks and handouts that are relevant to your subject or course.  Read ahead of the next class, make use of the school’s library facilities and online resources to improve your study better.  

7.      Jot down main points during your personal study: 

Preparation for exam starts from day one of resumption. Ensure you jot down main points on each topic you read at your own time of study. These main points will help you whenever test or examination draws near.  Then you will only need to go through them without unnecessary anxiety and stress.  

8.      Do all assignment as required:

Assignment forms part of your assessment.  You should never take any lightly.  Do all your assignment as indicated by your teacher and submit promptly.  

9.      Have academic interaction with other students: 

You can form group discussion where group members can share their knowledge for the benefits of one another.  You can as well learn from those who are better than you in certain subject[s] or you teach those that you are better than.  This method helps you remember the points that are discussed and will definitely go a long way to enhance your self-confidence and success in tests/exams.

10.    Quiz yourself:  Good study must involve answering questions.  You can find questions from what the teacher taught you, from the syllabus and textbooks, you should as well get past test/exam questions for your own personal study.  Attempt the questions by writing your answers in your own jotter.  This will help you remember what you have read and increase your confidence when exam draws near. 

11.    Engage in exercise.

Exercises help in making our body systems healthy including the brain power.  According to Jelon J.  Ratey. Ph. D,  a clinical  Associate Professor  of Psychiatry at  Harvest  Medical  School,  “Exercise  signals the release of  several  hormones, including  Serotonin, the famed  mood  booster; Dopamine, which affects  learning and attention; and Norepinephrine,  which influences  attention,  perception,  motivation, and arousal.  This exercise induced chemical cocktail has a powerful impact. By elevating neurotransmitters in the brain, it helps us focus, feel better, and release tension”.  Exercises like running, taking a walk, swimming etc., will boost your brain power for better academic excellence. 

12.    Eat food that enhances brain performance:  

I observed that some of my clients that are students have told me that they did not like eating in the morning before going to school.  When  you don’t eat your body does not get enough nutrients to sustain itself properly, your brain needs nutritious food to help it function well and be able to assimilate whatever you read or learn. Eat food like fruits, nuts, fresh vegetables, low-fat yogurts, etc.   

In conclusion, never take your studies with levity because it may be the determinant for your future placement in life.

If you feel this article makes sense, kindly share to others. Comments will be appreciated.  

The Focused Counselor: 12 JOBS ENDORSED BY EXPERTS CAPABLE OF GENERATING ...

The Focused Counselor: 12 JOBS ENDORSED BY EXPERTS CAPABLE OF GENERATING ...: Craftsmanship has always been a helpful work to human race and great source of income for those who are into it. In the face of high rate...

12 JOBS ENDORSED BY EXPERTS CAPABLE OF GENERATING HUGE INCOME BUT ARE MOST NEGLECTED BY YOUNG PEOPLE

Craftsmanship has always been a helpful work to human race and great source of income for those who are into it.

In the face of high rate of unemployment of young people all over the world today especially in Nigeria and other African countries, young people can venture into craft making and earn huge income.

In years past, crafts making were being encouraged in our school system in Nigeria at primary level. With that mindset, I knew some who made much from craft-making and were able to sponsor their secondary education.

My country, produces about 500,000 advanced education graduates annually but does not create jobs up to that figure. I am sure that not even half of that figure on job creation is achieved yearly.

Millions of young people with formal education certificates are in the world of unemployment searching for the way out. While some are employed, they are undervalued compared to their certificates most especially by some private firms. Contract-staffing and casual-staffing are now taking over in the world of work so as to avoid standard staff’s remunerations. Is it not pitiful to hear that even the government workers are being owed several months’ salaries in 2015/2016 by some State Governments in Nigeria?

And many youths are struggling to get jobs in the Civil Service. Is there hope? And even if there is, how lasting is such likely to be? No one can really tell.

To get out of unemployment and make good income, I think some of our youths, either graduates or undergraduates should take the step of learning crafts-making. Those in craftsmanship have always get money to live a good life comfortable for them and their families.

Some crafts-making business you can venture into are:

          1. Mat-weaving: Mats are used by almost every household and religious centres. The demand for them has never declined. They are even  more expensive now than in the past.

2. Broom-making: You will agree with me that almost every household and religious centres use broom. The demand for broom has risen in Nigeria since the advent of All Progressive Congress (APC), a political party in Nigeria that adopted the broom as a party insignia. At each election campaign in the present day Nigeria, demand for broom by both poor and rich will always rise.

        3. Knitting: Weaving cardigan, baby wears etc for schools, companies, nursing mothers has been making good income for those in the business. You can make it big in this business as well.

        4. Bead-making: Beads are being used to make different products like bag, belt, purse, waist-bond, writ-band, shoe, neck-tie, table, flower-stand etc. People demand for this materials everyday. You too can try the business.

         5.  Shoe-making: People have always demanded for shoes every where. If you know how to make shoes you will end good money on daily basis.

        6. Bag-making: The demand for bags in the market is high. People use bag everyday. You can learn the job and start making good money.

        7. Aso-Oke: The traditional Aso-Oke has now made big name in special occasions most especially in the western part of Nigeria. The demand is high but the producers are very few. People use Aso-Oke in marriage, birthday, burial, coronation, Anniversary etc.

8.       Hand Fan: Many people use hand fans for personal comfort especially during heat period where Electric-fans and Air-conditioners are not available. Whether you use local or synthetic materials to produce a hand fan, people will demand for it.

9.      Rope-Making: Various types of ropes are available in the market today but may never occur to you that is could be a source of money making for you. We use ropes to tie luggages, spread clothes when washed, draw water with cistern from well, used for measurement by building professionals etc. The rope will continue to have relevance in the human race. You can consider this business.

10.    Stove-Thread: We all know the value of stoves. The making of stove-thread is an untapped goldmine. You can tap it.

11.     Wire-Works Jewelry making: wire-works making are used to produce necklace, ear-rings, bracelets, etc. These are used for fashion. You will agree with me that if they are for fashion, they will always be in demand. You can do this alongside with bead-making or decide to focus on it alone.

12.     Basketry: Basketry is the art of making basket. Shopping basket, hamper, flat basket for drying fresh products etc. Basketry has gone so advanced that today, they produce chairs and tables which are used in some relaxation centres. Hampers are always in high demand during Christmas for gifts. In marriage occasions like introduction and payment of Bride-price, the hamper is also needed. Baskets are used in our communities every day. Only few people are into this business and they are raking much money there. You can go for the training as well.

These and many more can make you rich. Infact, if you can professionalize any of the afore-mentioned crafts, your products may soon be exported to other countries where they are highly demanded for. 

         GET THE VERIFIED SIMPLE WAYS TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE.

PROSPECTS:

One major advantage in crafts-making is that, the raw materials needed to produce are cheap and readily available.

Not only that, you determine the price of your products by yourself. It means you determine how much profit you will earn on each product you make.

Also, you do not need a big shop to start, most craft works can be done in your apartment or premises pending the time you will have enough money to rent a shop for the business.

Moreover, you can have an apprenticeship programme where people pay to learn the skill from you for a period of time.

In addition, you work at your own pace without undue pressure.

Furthermore, you start making money while you are learning. You can sell some of your practical works during training and earn money. 
Lastly, craft businesses are easy to start up. They require little capital to start and within few months, they could grow big.

AVAILABLE MARKETS:

Family members, friends, neighbours, schools, supermarkets, shopping malls, co-operative societies, craft markets, online shops, social media platforms etc. As the business grow, you can have your own separate shop where you sell your products with one or two staff to manage the sales for you.

You will definitely be better in such business with your own level of education.

If you need further advice as regarding this topic, please fell free to contact me. For those who are already in the business of craftsmanship and do not know how to advertise your products or business both offline and online, I will be glad to be of help. You can contact me immediately.

SKILLS REQUIRED:

•  Ability to pay attention to details

•  Technical ability

•  Carmliness 

•  Creativity (creative mind)

•  Focus 

•  Commitment

•  Interest in Craft-making

• Passion to meet people's needs.

LEARNING DURATION:

The period of learning crafts-making ranges from 2 months to 18 months depending on the one you want to go for.

COST OF LEARNING:

The money required for you to pay for learning of craft-making ranges from N3,000.00 to N25,000.00 depending on location and the type. Please bear in mind that you will need to buy some tools you will use while learning. The money for tools is different from learning fee mentioned above.

HEALTH HAZARD:

Though every job has its own health hazard, but generally, that of craft-making is minimal. Except in some where one needs to bend down severally. Such may cause a little waist pain. Most craft-making requires sitting for several hours which may also lead to mild waist pain. But regular exercises and good food can take care of these pains.

Also, I need to mention that where sharp objects are used as tools, their careless use may cause minor injuries. There are situations where some raw materials especially in Broom-making and Basketry could cause injury if not handled with proper care.

 Mild pain in the wrists or hands may be experienced in crafts like Aso-Oke making especially at the beginning.