Why Farida Sobowale is Trending Today, August 18th, 2023

The reasons behind Farida Sobowale’s suicide attempt are not fully known, as she has not spoken publicly about what drove her to such a desperate act. However, based on some reports and speculations, below are some possible factors that might have contributed to her emotional distress and hopelessness.

Marital problems: According to some sources, Farida Sobowale’s marriage to Demola, a businessman, crashed a few days before her suicide attempt. The couple had reportedly tied the knot in a lavish ceremony about two months ago, but their relationship soon turned sour due to irreconcilable differences. Demola had allegedly moved out of their home and cut off communication with Farida. This might have left Farida feeling lonely, betrayed, and heartbroken.

Financial difficulties: Another possible factor that might have pushed Farida to the edge is financial stress. As the owner of House of Phreeda, a skincare and spa company, Farida might have faced some challenges in running and sustaining her business, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn. She might have also incurred some debts or losses that affected her financial stability and security.

Depression: A more underlying factor that might have influenced Farida’s suicide attempt is depression. Depression is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable. Depression can also cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, appetite changes, and pain. Depression can be triggered by various life events or situations, such as trauma, abuse, grief, divorce, unemployment, illness, or isolation. Depression can also be influenced by genetic, biological, psychological, or environmental factors. Depression can impair one’s ability to function normally and cope with daily challenges. It can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

These are some of the possible reasons behind Farida Sobowale’s suicide attempt. However, these are not definitive or conclusive explanations, as each person’s situation and experience are unique and complex. Therefore, it is important to avoid making assumptions or judgements about why someone might want to end their life. Instead, it is more helpful and compassionate to offer support and empathy to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings. Suicide is a serious and preventable public health issue that requires awareness and intervention from various stakeholders. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or feelings, please seek professional help immediately. You are not alone. There is hope, and help is available. 😊

Her family: Farida Sobowale’s suicide attempt has been a devastating shock and trauma for her family, especially her husband, Demola, and her children. They might be feeling a range of emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, fear, or confusion. They might also be struggling to understand why she wanted to end her life and what they could have done to prevent it. They might also be facing some stigma or criticism from others, who might blame them for her actions or question their relationship. They might also be worried about her recovery and well-being and how they can support her through this difficult time.

Her friends: Farida Sobowale’s suicide attempt has also been a painful and heartbreaking experience for her friends, who might have been close to her or admired her. They might be feeling grief, loss, regret, or helplessness. They might also be wondering how they missed the signs of her distress and how they could have helped her or reached out to her. They might also be facing some guilt or remorse for not being there for her when she needed them the most. They might also be concerned about her mental health and safety and how they can show their love and care for her.

Her business: Farida Sobowale’s suicide attempt has also been a major setback and challenge for her business, House of Phreeda, a skincare and spa company that she founded and ran. Her business might have suffered some losses or damages due to her absence or instability. Her customers might have been disappointed or dissatisfied with the quality or delivery of her products or services. Her employees might have been demoralised or confused by her situation, and unsure about their roles or responsibilities. Her partners or investors might have been doubtful or sceptical about the viability or profitability of her business. Her competitors might have taken advantage of her weakness or vulnerability to gain an edge over her.

Suicide is a serious public health problem that affects many people in Nigeria, especially the young and the vulnerable. According to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria had a suicide rate of 17.3 per 100,000 population in 2019, which was higher than the global average of 10.5 and the African average of 12. However, suicide is still taboo and stigmatised in Nigeria, and many people who suffer from suicidal thoughts or behaviours do not seek or receive adequate help or support. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness and prevent suicide in Nigeria by implementing various strategies and interventions. Below are some of the prevention and awareness programmes for suicide in Nigeria:

The role of the government: The government has a key role to play in preventing and reducing suicide in Nigeria by developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive and sustainable multi-sectoral suicide prevention plan, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. Such a plan should include policies and programmes that address the risk factors and protective factors for suicide, such as mental health, substance abuse, social welfare, education, employment, justice, media, and culture. The government should also allocate adequate resources and funding for suicide prevention activities, such as research, training, surveillance, and service delivery. The government should also collaborate with other stakeholders, such as civil society organisations, professional associations, religious groups, and international agencies, to coordinate and strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

The role of the media: The media has a significant role to play in raising awareness and educating the public about suicide in Nigeria by reporting responsibly and sensitively on suicide cases and issues. The media should follow the guidelines and recommendations provided by the World Health Organisation and other experts on how to report on suicide without sensationalising, glamorising, or trivialising it. The media should also avoid disclosing the details or methods of suicide or presenting suicide as a solution to problems or a way to gain attention or sympathy. The media should also provide information and resources on where to seek help or support for those who are affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts. The media should also promote positive messages and stories of hope and recovery from suicide or suicidal ideation.

The role of the health sector: The health sector has a vital role to play in preventing and treating suicide in Nigeria by providing accessible and quality mental health care and support for those who are at risk of suicide or have attempted suicide. The health sector should also train and equip health workers with the skills and knowledge to identify, assess, manage, and refer suicidal patients. The health sector should also implement evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention, such as screening, counselling, medication, psychotherapy, crisis intervention, follow-up care, and postvention. The health sector should also collaborate with other sectors and agencies to provide comprehensive and integrated care for suicidal patients.

The role of the individual: The individual has a personal role to play in preventing and coping with suicide in Nigeria by taking care of their own mental health and well-being. The individual should also seek help or support if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts or feelings, or if they know someone who is. The individual should also be aware of the warning signs of suicide, such as talking about death or dying, feeling hopeless or worthless, withdrawing from others, giving away possessions, or making plans for suicide. The individual should also be supportive and compassionate to those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings, by listening to them without judgement, expressing concern and care, encouraging them to seek help, or accompanying them to a professional service provider.