Care, Not Condemnation: Nigeria's Senate Moves to Help Suicide Survivors, and a Word of Hope

Nigeria's Senate has taken a step that many families quietly hoped for: it advanced a bill that would stop treating a suicide attempt as a crime and offer survivors medical care and continuing support instead.

According to ThisDay, the bill would set up a coordinated framework for suicide prevention, crisis response and referrals, and would train health workers, teachers, police and emergency responders to spot warning signs and connect people to help. Health Digest reports that Dr Ogenna Walter Ekwubiri of the Motivating African Youths Initiative welcomed the move, saying survivors need "care, not condemnation" and "hope, not further despair". She also pointed to the weight of poverty, joblessness and rising costs that many Nigerians carry.

This comes only days after the Ondo community mourned a businessman whose story reminded us how heavy private pain can become. We keep his family in prayer.

Here is the word we hold on to:

"The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." - Psalm 34:18

"Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee." - Psalm 55:22

Whatever you are carrying today, money trouble, loss, shame or loneliness, losses can be rebuilt and God is still able. If your heart is heavy, please speak today to your shepherd, a family member, a trusted friend or a doctor. You do not have to carry it alone, and asking for help is not weakness.

Over to you:
- Who in your life could use a call or a visit this week, and what will you say?
- How can our parishes and fellowships make it easier for members to share their burdens without fear of judgement?

Sources: ThisDay (Senate moves to decriminalise attempted suicide); Health Digest (Expert to FG: Decriminalise Attempted Suicide); TheNigeriaLawyer.
Photo: ThisDay