On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Ghanaians were met with the tragic news of a Level 100 University of Education, Winneba (UEW) student’s death, which surfaced online.

According to multiple reports, the young man, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly took his own life after discovering his girlfriend had been unfaithful.

A video circulating online showed students gathered as a police vehicle left one of the university halls, presumably carrying the body.

This heartbreaking event has sparked widespread discussion, especially since similar incidents have occurred in the past.

In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb, Garnet Linda Naa Adukwei Acquaye, a clinical psychologist and director at Pearl House Counselling Center, said that suicide is often linked to underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, which may be triggered by emotional stressors like relationship issues.

“People with preexisting mental health conditions can be pushed over the edge by emotional distress,” she said.

“A breakup can feel like grief, and the sense of abandonment may lead some to believe life has lost meaning,” he added.

Speaking directly to the UEW case, she noted, “It may have been overwhelming for him, and in that moment, he possibly felt the pressure was too much to bear.”
Solutions and Mental Health Awareness

Garnet called for greater emphasis on mental and emotional well-being, especially among students. She encouraged young people to conduct regular mental check-ins just as they would monitor physical health.

“We often ignore our emotional state, but it's just as important. Self-care and mental health practices should be intentional,” she advised.

She also highlighted the importance of maintaining social connections beyond romantic partners.

“Being in a relationship shouldn’t mean isolating yourself. Strong friendships and family ties create a support system, especially if the relationship ends,” she said.

“Your value shouldn’t be defined by your partner. Know that you're worthy of love, even outside of any relationship.”

Garnet warned against becoming emotionally dependent on a single person.

“When everything revolves around your partner, you’re more likely to feel broken after a conflict. It’s important to engage in other activities, watch a match, hang out with friends, pursue hobbies,” the psychologist added.

The role of social media

Asked about social media’s impact, Garnet said it can worsen emotional pressure, especially when relationships are highly publicized.

“When couples post everything online, a breakup invites attention and speculation. That can be hard to handle,” she explained.

She added that increased exposure to content about suicide, whether in movies, posts, or online discussions, can influence vulnerable individuals.

“Seeing suicide talked about or portrayed frequently may make it seem like an option, even for those who never considered it before.”

VKB/MA