Africa the region with most suicides – WHO
Suicidal thoughts do not occur overnight and are not caused by a single reason but instead compounded by multiple.
September marks Suicide Awareness Month, a time to draw attention, reduce stigma and raise awareness among organisations, governments, and the public.
The aim? To share a message that suicides are preventable.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is estimated there are more than 700 000 suicides each year, with each suicide creating a rippling effect among friends, families and partners.
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According to the South African Society of Psychiatrists, South Africa is ranked as one of the top 10 countries globally on the list of countries with the most suicides.
In a 2022 report conducted by the Integrated African Health Observatory, titled ‘Suicide in Africa, a Neglected Reality’, several countries in the African region stood out as having the highest suicide age-adjusted rates in the world.
These countries were Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Central African Republic, Botswana, Eritrea, Cameroon, and Côte d’Ivoire.
All have rates above 15 per population of 100 000.
Lesotho and Eswatini peaked at 87.5 and 40.5 per 100 000 population respectively.
Although data on suicide statistics is dated with the most current information dating back to 2019, the report stated globally suicide rates among men are higher with 12.6 suicides per population of 100 000 compared to 5.4 suicides per population of 100 000 women.
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The report further highlighted that in the WHO’s African region, the male suicide rate was the highest of all regions with a ratio of 18.0 per 100 000.
Although suicide is preventable the South African Depression and Anxiety Group states that it does not discriminate and can affect anyone from any socioeconomic class.
It defined a suicide attempt as a person harming themselves with the intent of ending their life but not doing so.
It can be brought on by depression, substance abuse, bullying, trauma, stress, domestic violence or illness.
SADAG said suicidal thoughts do not occur overnight and are not caused by a single reason but instead compounded by multiple.
It highlighted that those who try to commit suicide may not necessarily want to die but rather feel like a burden to those around them or believe their situation won’t change.
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Some risk factors include mental health disorders, gender-based violence, abuse, health issues, trauma, stress, relationship problems, financial stress and family history of suicides.
Warning signs include:
• Long-lasting mood swings
• Isolating oneself
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Change in appearance and habits
• Reckless behaviour such as drinking in excess, practising unsafe sex or driving in an unsafe manner
• Preparing for death and talking about death
• Accessing lethal means to end their life such as weapons or medication
According to SADAG, loved ones should let the suicidal person know that they are there for them and they are not alone.
Talking to a person about their suicidal thoughts does not make them more likely to commit suicide.
SADAG suggests being empathetic and avoiding judgement, criticism or blame and instead listening to the thoughts, concerns and problems affecting the suicidal person.
For more information about suicide prevention www.sadag.org
Contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567.
