One small ACT can make a difference and may save a life
JOBURG – South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) encourages the public to allow to be educated on teen suicide in order to combat it.
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) aims to raise awareness on teen suicide this Teen Suicide Prevention Week, 16 to 23 February.
Sadag referred to the following cases of teen suicide: “An 11-year-old boy fights for his life in Reiger Park after a suicide attempt related to bullying, a 16-year-old pupil at a high school in the Vaal attempted to end her life after failing an exam and Grade 11 pupil from Vereeniging passed away after allegedly drinking poison,” said Sadag in a statement.
According to Sadag, the most at-risk age group for suicide are adolescents. The #AskCareTreat (ACT) is a call-to-action to encourage early intervention when someone is experiencing difficulty dealing with stress, depression or may be at risk of suicide.
“We want parents, teachers, friends and communities to recognise the risk factors and warning signs that may indicate a potential suicidal crisis, and empower everyone to know how to #ACT.”
Here are ways to ACT to save a life, provided by Sadag:
Ask – Ask directly: “are you experiencing suicidal thoughts?”, “have you ever thought of hurting yourself”, have you ever felt like you don’t want to live anymore”?
Care – Listen without judgment. Show that you care.
Treat – Get your child, friend or teen immediate assistance. Escort him or her to the nearest adult, trusted teacher, or mental health professional such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, a church leader, social worker etc. Alternatively, call Sadag on 0800 567 567/0800 21 22 23 or SMS 31393 for help.
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“Teen suicides are real and rob many young people of a future and our society of the future. Let us speak about teen suicide today so that we may never have to again in the future,” concluded clinical psychologist and Sadag board member, Zamo Mbele.
Sadag is sharing the #ACT Teen Suicide Prevention Campaign around the country through various activities this week. Visit www.sadag.org to find online tools you can use to save a life.
Don't miss the FREE Teen Suicide Prevention #FacebookFriday online Q&A, 21 February at 1pm & 7pm. It's important for all parents, teachers & friends to know the warning signs of Teen Suicide, how to talk about Depression & how to get help. #AskCareTreat #teensuicidepreventionweek pic.twitter.com/Iebv5nvWhE
— SADAG (@TheSADAG) February 18, 2020
