The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that 3.8 per cent of adults in Ghana have considered suicide, while 2.3 per cent have attempted it, underscoring the need for stronger mental health and suicide prevention measures in the country.
WHO Country Representative to Ghana, Dr Fiona Braka, disclosed the figures in Accra during the launch of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Suicide Prevention Day.
According to her, findings from the 2023 Ghana STEPS Survey also indicate that suicidal thoughts are prevalent among young people, making targeted interventions crucial.
“Every suicide is a tragedy that has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences for families, for friends, for workplaces, and for communities. In Ghana, the recent evidence highlights the need for continued action,” Dr Braka said.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen suicide prevention efforts, particularly for young people and other vulnerable groups.
This year’s World Suicide Prevention Day theme, “Changing the narrative on suicide: Start the Conversation,” focuses on encouraging open discussions about emotional struggles and creating safe environments where people can seek help without fear of judgment.
But how can you tell when a friend may be struggling
Here are five warning signs to watch for:
- They suddenly withdraw from others
A person who previously enjoyed socialising, meeting friends or taking part in activities may suddenly start isolating themselves.
They may stop responding to calls and messages, decline invitations or spend considerably more time alone.
While social withdrawal does not necessarily mean someone is depressed or suicidal, WHO recognises social isolation and withdrawal as signs that deserve attention, especially when they occur alongside other changes.
A simple question such as, “I noticed you’ve been quiet lately. Are you okay?” could encourage the person to open up.
- They repeatedly talk about being sad or unhappy
Repeated comments about sadness, hopelessness or feeling like a burden should not automatically be dismissed as complaining.
Dr Dzifa recounted an experience involving a friend who frequently told her that she was sad.
“Personally, I’m even embarrassed because I have a friend who would always come and always be doing, ‘I’m sad, I’m sad.’ I’m like, ah, she’s an energy drainer,” she said.
The friend later disclosed that she had been having suicidal thoughts.
The experience taught Dr Dzifa that repeated expressions of sadness can sometimes be a cry for help.
Although not everyone who says they are sad is suicidal, persistent feelings of hopelessness, loneliness or worthlessness can accompany suicidal distress.
- Their mood or behaviour changes significantly
Another warning sign is a noticeable change in someone’s usual behaviour.
A friend may suddenly become unusually withdrawn, distressed, angry, agitated or emotionally different from their normal self.
Changes in sleeping and eating patterns can also be indicators that something may be wrong.
Rather than attempting to diagnose the person, it is important to recognise the change and ask about their wellbeing.
You do not need to know whether your friend is depressed before reaching out. If their behaviour seems different, check on them.
- They express hopelessness or say life is not worth living
Comments suggesting that someone has lost hope or sees no reason to continue living should never be ignored.
Statements such as “There is no point,” “Nobody cares about me,” “People would be better off without me” or direct references to wanting to die should be taken seriously.
WHO says asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide does not encourage suicidal behaviour. Instead, it can help reduce anxiety and allow the person to feel heard.
You can calmly ask, “Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?”
If the person says yes, avoid leaving them alone. Help them access urgent professional support and stay with them if there is an immediate risk of harm.
Dr Dzifa also stressed that suicidal distress is not always obvious from a person’s outward appearance.
“Because honestly, you notice that a lot of people who commit suicide usually is the very bubbly person who tries to make everybody happy,” she said.
She added, “It is so difficult to know who wants to kill themselves and who is that strong.”
Her message is that people should not assume that someone is fine simply because they appear cheerful, sociable or successful.
- They show signs that they are struggling and need support
Sometimes the most important sign is simply a noticeable change that makes you feel something is not right.
Dr Dzifa encouraged people to make checking in on friends a normal part of everyday life.
“Sometimes just call your friend and ask them, how are you? Are you happy?” she said.
When someone opens up, listen without judging, mocking or immediately trying to solve their problems. Allow them to express what they are going through and encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional, counsellor, doctor or other qualified health worker.
WHO also recommends offering to accompany someone to an appointment if they are willing to seek professional help.
You do not have to fix everything yourself
Supporting a friend experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts does not mean taking full responsibility for their recovery.
Dr Dzifa cautioned that supporting someone through serious emotional difficulties can also affect the person providing the support.
“Sometimes trying to help a depressed person can depress you,” she said.
She therefore encouraged people to recognise when professional intervention is necessary.
“So let’s understand that mental health is a specialty and leave it to the specialists,” she said.
Friends and family can provide support by listening, checking in regularly, encouraging treatment and helping someone access professional care without trying to become their therapist.
Dr Dzifa also called for greater openness around emotional wellbeing, saying people should be able to express feelings such as “I’m sad,” “I’m hurt,” “I’m angry” or “I’m not okay” without being judged.
The call is consistent with this year’s World Suicide Prevention Day campaign, which seeks to encourage conversations about suicide and challenge the stigma and silence surrounding mental health.
Checking on a friend may seem like a small gesture, but it could make a significant difference.
Call the friend who has become unusually quiet. Ask the person who repeatedly says they are sad what they are going through. Most importantly, listen when someone says they are struggling.
You may not be able to solve their problems, but your support can help ensure they do not face their struggles alone.
If someone says they are thinking about suicide or appears to be in immediate danger, take the situation seriously, stay with them and seek urgent professional or emergency assistance.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar