Dr Grace Onyowo Ugboha, Justina Nwokocha & Martha Barnabas
Abstract
Suicidal ideation, also called suicidal thoughts, is thinking about or planning suicide. The range of suicidal ideation varies greatly from fleeting to detailed planning, role playing, and unsuccessful attempts, which may be fully intended to result in death. Although most people who undergo suicidal ideation do not go on to make suicide attempts, a good proportion does so. Vulnerability and stressful life events constitute the milieu where suicidal ideation may develop. Feelings of defeat, humiliation, and entrapment also facilitate the development of suicidal ideation. The paper took into consideration the meaning of suicidal ideation. It further looked at some counselling theories and techniques for tackling suicidal ideation among university students. It was recommended that increased awareness of the risk involved in suicidal ideation and prevention should be done through the media, mobile phone companies and network providers. Good parenting skill is essential for development of healthy children because physically and mentally healthy children are less vulnerable to mental illness. Therefore, positive parenting is highly recommended. It was then concluded that early detection and treatment are the best ways to prevent suicidal ideation.