Suicide is one of the leading causes of teen deaths worldwide
JOBURG – Media has to educate the public about suicide in a way that avoids sensationalising or normalising suicide.
Suicide is one of the leading causes of teen deaths worldwide as well as in South Africa – this according to medical specialists at Akeso Clinic in Parktown.
According to the specialist psychiatrist, Dr Kerryn Armstrong, this comes as no surprise considering an increasingly competitive world where adolescents are constantly under pressure to achieve and excel in life. “Suicidal thoughts are common amongst the youth, with about one in six females and one in 10 males between ages 12 to16 experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past six months.”
Read: Suicide rate in SA concerning
“The rates of completed suicides are higher in males than females.”
According to the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (Sadag), in South Africa, 9.5 per cent of all teen deaths are due to suicide – and this figure is on the increase.
In the 15 to 24 age group, suicide is the second leading and fastest growing cause of death, read an infographic on the Sadag website in lieu of Teen Suicide Prevention week (14 to 21 February 2016).
“Children as young as six years old have committed suicide in South Africa. Every day 23 people (adults and adolescents) take their lives. Suicide is on the increase and the question is why?”
Armstrong said a range of indicators and tell-tale signs should act as ‘alarm bells’ for adolescent suicide risk.
Read: #TeenSuicidePreventionWeek: The destructive powers of depression – a personal story
Suicide results from a complex interaction between individual, psychosocial and mental health factors, Armstrong added.
“A holistic approach tailored to each individual’s unique personal and contextual needs should be followed.
“The patient, family, and community should all be actively involved in planning and implementation of interventions.”
Open communication with a caring adult who can listen without judgment to the concerns of the teen is the best form of prevention.
“It is imperative that suicide prevention measures are taken seriously in order to decrease the occurrence of this devastating outcome.
“Parents, families, teachers and healthcare providers need to be aware of the very real risk of adolescent suicide.”
Details: info@akeso.co.za or 011 447 0268.
