Teen Suicide Prevention Week during Covid-19
There is still a lot of stigma and fear around suicide, and many parents and teachers are afraid that if they talk about suicide to teens that it would cause them to take their life
Teen Suicide Prevention Week (February 14 – 21) highlights awareness around teen depression and suicide, especially with the increased stressors of the pandemic.
As the pandemic has worsened across the globe, so has the mental health of children and teens.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15- to 19-year-olds (WHO, 2020).
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is focusing on creating awareness that teen depression and suicide is a particularly high risk in South African teens as the mental health impact of Covid-19 has been immense, especially as they navigate a new world of online learning or delayed learning, social isolation, loss, grief and trauma, with increased anxiety and depression.
Psychiatrist and SADAG board chairperson Dr Frans Korb said: “There is a myth that depression or suicide doesn’t affect teens or children. It is very real and affects more young people than we know, with teens being a particularly high risk for suicide. Depression is the leading cause of suicide, it doesn’t discriminate against age, gender, race, religion or socio-economic background.”
SADAG has seen an increase in the number of calls to the Suicide Helpline, and we encourage parents, teachers and family members to know the warning signs of depression and suicide and to reach out for help as soon as possible.
Now more than ever, parents need to connect and engage with their children – ask questions, listen to understand, get to know what is happening in their teens’ lives and what they are feeling and thinking, and connect to help if you pick up any warning signs for depression or suicide before it is too late – it could save a life.
There is still a lot of stigma and fear around suicide, and many parents and teachers are afraid that if they talk about suicide to teens that it would cause them to take their life.
SADAG operations director Cassey Chambers explained: “Research shows that talking about suicide with a young person does not cause them to have thoughts of suicide or kill themselves. But not talking about it can lead to thoughts of suicide turning into actions. Talking about suicide and depression creates an opportunity to discuss feelings and thoughts that might have otherwise remain hidden. Most teens who are thinking about suicide are honest and relieved when asked direct questions about their suicidal thoughts or feelings.”
But informing and empowering parents and teachers on how to have these conversations with teens is the first step to preventing teen suicide.
SADAG will be hosting two free online connect webinars for teachers (February 24, 3.30pm) and parents (February 25, 1pm) with experts to unpack how to identify warning signs of teen depression and suicide at home and in the classroom, self-help tips to deal with depression, how to talk about suicide with a teen, developing a suicide safety plan, and how to connect to help.
Visit www.sadag.org for more details about the free Connect Webinars and RSVP for your free seat today.
SADAG will also be hosting an online #FacebookFriday expert Q&A on February 19 at 1pm to 2pm and again at 7pm to 8pm, answering all your questions on teen depression, suicide prevention and how to get help LIVE on @TheSADAG.
“Even if you notice one warning sign, don’t wait or leave it. Talk today, listen and connect to help – it could save a life,” said SADAG’s Cassey Chambers.
Possible warning signs:
• Talking about suicide or death – could be writing or drawing about death and dying or posting pictures, quotes or messages on social media.
• Writing or sending goodbye letters or messages or posting goodbye messages on social media.
• Saying things like “everyone would be better off if I was dead” or “I wish I wasn’t here anymore” or “I don’t want to be here anymore”.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Signs of depression, such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal, drastic change in their appetite and sleep, and loss of interest in usual activities.
• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use.
• Behavioural changes and taking excessive risks.
SADAG runs the country’s only Suicide Crisis Helpline (0800 567 567) which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week,
SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call back or visit the online toolkit for teen suicide prevention on www.sadag.org. There is always help.
Also Read: Sadag partners with Miss SA to tackle mental health issues
