According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), nearly 700 000 people die by suicide annually. That’s an average of one person every 40 seconds. In 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 19 year olds globally.
While the link between suicide and mental health conditions and a previous suicide attempt is well established in high-income countries, according to the WHO, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis.
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With Youth Month in full swing People’s Post highlights the challenges faced by young people today, which often lead to low self-esteem and even depression.
Fatima Seedat, development manager for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), added that schools across the country have reported an increase in suicide attempts and completed suicides.
“We also see from our side through engaging with schools and the majority of the schools that we have visited in the past six months that a majority of the schools have noted that there has been an attempted or completed suicide and that has definitely increased over the years.”
According to Seedat, the impact of mental health and all the psycho-social issues that the youth are facing are often underestimated.
She explains that all these factors can lead to suicide.
Awareness is key
“There are many risk factors that come into play. Suicidal ideation is very complex and is often a build-up of various factors.”
According to Seedat, raising awareness is imperative.
“It is critical that we raise awareness and talk about these issues to prevent further suicides from happening. We need to reassure our youth that there is help and support. And there are solutions to temporary problems and suicide is not the answer. One suicide is a suicide too many.”
Mark de la Rey, a clinical psychologist at Akeso Kenilworth Psychiatric Clinic, said one of the biggest factors leading to depression is stressful situations.
Depression cannot always be picked up at face value and adds that changes in behaviour happen over a period.
Signs to look out for
“Start looking for changes in the person’s normal behaviour. If your child is someone who loves being outside and suddenly, just wants to be inside for days on end, look out for changes in his sleeping pattern, is he sleeping too much or not able to sleep? Loss of appetite or increased appetite?”
He mentioned that forgetfulness, irritability and short-temperedness or being unable to manage social spaces can also be a sign.
Speaking with finality
De la Rey explained: “When people get to a deep depressive state they might say things that can indicate plans to end their life. They may say things like ‘It might be better if I wasn’t around’ or ‘You won’t have to deal with me much longer’. Such statements are sometimes made on social media. These might be subtle ways in which they start talking about how they are feeling.
“Oftentimes people get to this point where they are almost relieved – and they look like there is nothing wrong. When someone has been down for quite some time and suddenly, they are happy, that is also a sign.”
When to seek help
He said parents or guardians can always get help for their children.
“If they are not willing to go and talk to someone, you as the parent can go and talk to someone professional and talk about what you see. Be present with your kids or loved ones – be aware of where they are and what’s going on in their lives.”
Start the conversation
De la Rey explained that while there is sufficient awareness about depression and suicide, more dialogue needs to take place.
“As families and society, we need to talk about these topics. There is a misconception that if we talk about depression and suicide it will cause someone to want to do it. But if you speak about it in a responsible way, it can be helpful. Then people who experience it will feel more comfortable to talk about it and not feel judged.”
Help is available
De la Rey encouraged people to seek help. “Rather let your child or partner be angry with you because you were seeking help for them than leave it. There is help available from the Suicide Crises Line, South African Depression and Anxiety Group. These organisations have free helplines 24/7.”
How to cope
- Ensure to integrate a good eating, sleeping, and exercise routine.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development has trained professionals who offer counselling, support services and family programmes to those who need it. If you require a social worker or any form of psycho-social support, contact us on our hotline number on 0800 220 250.
Mental health line: 011 234 4837
Lifeline Western Cape
Telephone counselling: 021 461 1111
