Edenvale supports suicide awareness
'We are having the walk today to remember my son Keagan.'
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and a grieving mother and a best friend took a stand by hosting a suicide prevention walk on September 11 at the Edenvale Sports Grounds.
Mrs Guenevere Van Vledder, together with her son’s best friend, Daniella De Sousa, hosted the walk in honour of Mrs Van Vledder’s son Keagan and all those who have lost their lives to suicide.
“We are having the walk today to remember my son Keagan. He was a happy child and never showed any signs of being suicidal,” said Mrs Van Vledder.
The 3km walk was supported by residents, Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, Edenvale SAPS and private security companies in Edenvale.
The aim of the walk was to raise awareness in the community.
Members from Edenvale SAPS Employee Health Wellness unit addressed the crowd on suicide prevention.
“I’m happy to see the community of Edenvale taking a stance against suicide. Suicide is not a crime but a call for help,” said acting Edenvale SAPS station commander, Colonel Robbie Roberts.
Mrs Van Vledder thanked her family and the community for their support.
“I appreciate the support and I hope we make this event an annual walk. I would love to see it getting bigger and better next year,” said Mrs Van Vledder.
The day’s activities concluded with the release of yellow balloons as a sign of remembrance for those who lost their lives to suicide.
FACT BOX
Conditions associated with increased risk of suicide:
- Death or terminal illness of relative of friend.
- Divorce, separation, broken relationship, stress.
- Loss of health (real or imaginary).
- Loss of job, home, money, status, self-esteem.
- Alcohol or drug abuse.
- Depression.
Suicidal behaviour:
- Previous suicide attempts.
- Explicit statements of suicidal ideas or feelings.
- Development of suicidal plan.
- Self-inflicted injuries such as cuts and burns.
- Reckless behaviour.
- Making out a will or giving away favourite possessions.
- Overwhelming pain that threatens to exceed the person’s pain coping capacities.
- Feelings of worthlessness.
- Personality change – becoming sad or withdrawn, tired, apathetic and anxious.
