Suicide among teenagers in the country will be under the spotlight this week as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) will be raising awareness about the matter.
Suicide is often misunderstood, and the symptoms often go unseen until it’s too late. According to Sadag, some of the underlying factors that contribute to teen suicide are normally a combination of issues that come together to make the teen feel so overwhelmed and unable to cope with their problems, then suicide seems like the only solution.
The key contributing factor to suicide is undiagnosed and untreated depression, some other triggers especially among teens include relationship issues (whether with boyfriends/girlfriends, best friends, parents, etc.), family problems (divorce, separation, abuse, domestic violence), grief, loss of a loved one, bullying, trauma, illness, etc.
Sadag runs the National Toll Free Suicide Crisis Helpline, which takes a huge number of calls from teens who are calling for themselves or on behalf of a friend.
This Suicide Call Centre has already saved hundreds of lives. Throughout Teen Suicide Prevention week Sadag will be raising awareness through school talks, Online Content, Facebook Friday online chats and so much more. This awareness not only encourages teens to come forward but also tells them where to go for help in their own community and how to contact the Suicide Call Centre.
Skilled counsellors support the helplines and encourage teens to get professional help, to talk to an adult they trust, to go to a doctor, or talk to a friend or teacher.
Remember that people who are thinking about suicide feel alone and isolated, and often feel like no one understands how they feel. Changes in life may be upsetting and they may want to escape a difficult problem or situation, or get relief from terrible stress. You may know if your friend or loved one is going through a tough time.
A Teen Suicide Prevention Toolkit:
- Identify the warning signs of teen suicide and get guidance on how to help a loved one or friend by taking a look at this brochure.
- To learn more about how to help a friend or family member. Click here.
- Wondering what is feels like to be suicidal? Learn more.
- Click here to watch some educational video’s about suicide prevention.
- Do you have to have a mental illness to be suicidal? For more click here.
- Looking for help? Worried about a friend, family member or loved one? Click here.
If you are worried about your teen or friend who may be depressed or suicidal, contact a counsellor at Sadag 0800 567 567, 0800 21 22 23 and The 24hr Cipla Mental Health Helpline 0800 456 789 or visit www.sadag.org .