According to LifeLine Ekurhuleni, South Africa’s estimated suicide rate of 13.4 people per one hundred thousand is about four times the global rate of 3.6 per 100 000.
Most people with suicidal thoughts are more likely to experience mental illness or disorder, depression, stress, isolation, uncontrollable behaviour and use substances. Some may, however, not display any of the mentioned elements.
Audrey Steyn (LifeLine Ekurhuleni) said there is a lack of awareness of suicide as a major public health problem, influenced by the fear of breakdown taboos and religious beliefs.
“The main goal of public health is to promote, protect and prevent any implication associated with social issues, therefore, it is essential to raise awareness in communities and other settings,” said Steyn.
“I have personally been affected by two family suicides. There are not enough words to express the emotional whirlpool and phycological damage suicide causes for the loved ones left behind. The fact that the loss was at the hands of the person you are grieving is an emotional rollercoaster that lasts a lifetime.
“People who are suicidal will not bother their loved ones with the burden of their mental illness. If you see alarming symptoms, you need to go to them. Do not delays – support them and get them the necessary professional help.
“Talking to professionals when you have suicidal thoughts or any mental challenge can assist in preventing suicide attempts.”
SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
While pandemic-related suicides have already been reported in many countries, these deaths have been largely overshadowed.
According to Cassey Chambers, SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) operations director, suicide is still a very taboo topic in our society; no one wants to talk about it, no one knows how to talk about it, and parents don’t want to talk to their children about it in case it “plants ideas”.
“However, suicide is a very real issue in South Africa and we can see it by the increasing number of calls we are receiving every day to the Suicide Helpline from people all over the country,” Chambers said.
“SADAG has seen a huge increase in the number of calls to the Helplines since the Covid-19 lockdown. The majority of callers are female, either calling for themselves or a family member or loved one needing help.
“However, men are more likely to die by suicide than women globally, with South African men being five times more suicidal than women.
“There are still so many people who don’t know how to get help, or where to go, or who are too scared to seek help.”
Possible warning signs of suicide:
• Talking about ending their life, dying or suicide; or a previous suicide attempt.
• Talking about suicide recently or making a plan.
• Strong wish to die or a preoccupation with death and dying.
• Giving away prized possessions.
• Signs of depression – such as moodiness, hopelessness, withdrawal, difficulty with appetite and sleep, and loss of interest in usual activities.
• Increased alcohol and/or other drug use.
• Hinting about not being around in the future or saying good-bye (including goodbye messages on social media, WhatsApp or SMS).
• Drastic behavioural changes.
• Making arrangements to take care of unfinished business.
Who to contact
- LifeLine Ekurhuleni (Benoni): 011 422 4242
- LifeLine SA: 086 132 2322
- Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 121 314
- SA Depressions and Anxiety Group: 011 234 4837.
