A lawmaker from Banjul North wants authorities to look into recent suspected suicide cases. Momodou L Bah told The Standard that three cases reported in one week should worry everyone across the country. He said these incidents represent real people with families who must deal with grief afterward. Bah believes the cases reveal how little support exists for mental health issues nationwide. He described many people suffering quietly because they fear judgment from others.
Bah points out that cultural attitudes, legal problems, spiritual beliefs, and lack of professional help all contribute to the problem. Many people try to appear strong instead of sharing their struggles, which makes their situation worse. The legislator called for changes to current laws that make suicide attempts illegal. He wants officials to create a national prevention strategy based on compassion. Bah emphasized that making suicide legal would allow more people to seek help without worrying about going to jail. He mentioned that many cases never make headlines because people suffer alone, hoping someone will notice their pain.
Bah points out that cultural attitudes, legal problems, spiritual beliefs, and lack of professional help all contribute to the problem. Many people try to appear strong instead of sharing their struggles, which makes their situation worse. The legislator called for changes to current laws that make suicide attempts illegal. He wants officials to create a national prevention strategy based on compassion. Bah emphasized that making suicide legal would allow more people to seek help without worrying about going to jail. He mentioned that many cases never make headlines because people suffer alone, hoping someone will notice their pain.
