Teen suicide is a national issue that all community members need to assist with.
According to Sergeant Jacob Mashile, acting spokesperson of the Edenvale SAPS, teen suicide does not discriminate.
“It can happen to anyone,” said Sgt Mashile.
Between February 21 and 28 the Edenvale SAPS conducted a Teen Suicide Prevention Awareness campaign.
During the campaign the Edenvale SAPS visited schools in the area.
Sgt Mashile said the objective of the campaign was to prevent teen suicides.
“Teenagers often commit suicide when they feel there is no solution to their problems,” said Sgt Mashile.
He said the reasons teenagers commit suicide can vary from victimisation and drug addiction to stress.
Sgt Mashile said warning signs for a suicide include:
- The teenager talking about death or a desire to kill themselves.
- The expression of being distressed.
- Teenagers being overly irritated and agitated.
- If a teenager believes they are a burden to other people.
Sgt Mashile urged community members to be aware of the signs and to seek assistance if they suspect a teenager is planning to commit suicide.
