Investigating the Influence of Domestic and International Factors on Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Societies at Risk of Autocratization

• Author(s): Amina Catherine Ijiga ; Tahir Kolawole Balogun ; Azeez Mobolaji Sariki ; Edem Klu ; Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu; Toyosi Motilola Olola
• Paper ID: 1706488
• Page: 93-106
• Published Date: 06-11-2024
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 8 Issue 5 November-2024

Abstract

This paper explores the critical interconnections between political-economic instability, mental health advocacy, and democratic resilience in polarized societies facing the risk of autocratization. As many nations encounter growing pressures from both domestic and international sources, the stability of democratic institutions is increasingly at risk. These pressures not only threaten the political landscape but also place a unique burden on young populations, who often experience heightened vulnerability to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation in politically polarized environments. This study investigates how the convergence of domestic challenges, such as economic inequalities and divisive political climates, with external pressures from global economic and political actors impacts both the democratic fabric of societies and the mental well-being of young people. By examining case studies of countries undergoing democratic backsliding, the paper assesses the efficacy of mental health advocacy initiatives in such environments and evaluates how they may contribute to fostering resilience against autocratic tendencies. The findings aim to provide a nuanced understanding of how targeted mental health support for youth can serve as an adjunct to political-economic strategies designed to safeguard democratic principles and reduce the appeal of authoritarianism in polarized contexts.

Keywords

Youth Mental Health, Democratic Resilience, Political Polarization, Autocratization, Mental Health Advocacy

Citations

IRE Journals:
Amina Catherine Ijiga , Tahir Kolawole Balogun , Azeez Mobolaji Sariki , Edem Klu , Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu; Toyosi Motilola Olola "Investigating the Influence of Domestic and International Factors on Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Societies at Risk of Autocratization" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 8 Issue 5 2024 Page 93-106

IEEE:
Amina Catherine Ijiga , Tahir Kolawole Balogun , Azeez Mobolaji Sariki , Edem Klu , Emmanuel Oluwasayomi Ahmadu; Toyosi Motilola Olola "Investigating the Influence of Domestic and International Factors on Youth Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Societies at Risk of Autocratization" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 8(5)