During a recent episode of the Drive Time Show on Accra-based Joy FM, a caller expressed his depression and suicidal thoughts. In an interview with host Lexis Bill, the caller, Justice revealed that he had considered ending his life but changed his mind after tuning into a discussion on the station.

Lexis had been exploring the topic of the pain men experience and the challenges they face when it comes to discussing these issues with others. Justice explained that listening to the program had a significant impact on him and convinced him not to go through with his plans.

“I don’t know what pushed me to just turn on my radio to listen to Joy FM. I even planned on committing suicide. I am going through a lot of marital problems. And I don’t know who to talk to. I just don’t know who to talk to. But your programme has been very helpful to me this afternoon. And we are going through emotional torture,” he said in a quaky voice.

“I just took my rope and went outside somewhere. I almost committed suicide this afternoon,” he added.

Justice indicated that he was listening to the show in his car and had moved farther from his house on the mission to end it all.

Fortunately, the host was able to intervene and convince the caller to come in for a conversation. Sadly, this is not an isolated incident.

In fact, a report from the Ghana News Agency revealed that the suicide rate in Ghana reached 6.6 per cent per 1,000 individuals in 2020, with four out of five of these cases potentially preventable if help had been sought. Some common reasons for suicidal ideation include lack of support, daily stressors, economic hardship, health issues, and unemployment.

I can relate to this struggle firsthand, having experienced a dark period during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite being surrounded by people who found hope and positivity during this time, I found myself lost and alone.

I was unemployed, my relationship had ended, and I had lost a beloved cousin. It felt as though my life was meaningless, and even job applications were yielding no results. It was the toughest year of my life, and I even received a false job offer that pushed me closer to the brink.

Thankfully, my father was my guiding light and prevented me from taking my own life. Whenever I felt overwhelmed by depression, I would remind myself of the pain I would cause him if I were to end my own life. Unfortunately, suicide is still a prevalent issue today, as evidenced by a recent conversation with a friend who expressed similar thoughts of frustration and hopelessness.

The current situation has affected us all, particularly those who are unemployed and struggling to make ends meet. It's important to remember that everyone you encounter may be fighting their own personal battles, and a little kindness and empathy can go a long way in making a difference.

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The writer, Nii Okantah Ankrah is a Social Media Executive with The Multimedia Group Ltd. Views expressed in the article are personal and do not reflect the position of his organisation.

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