Teen Suicide Prevention Week: Know the signs and how to help
Some of the underlined factors that contribute to teen suicide are normally a combination of issues that come together to make the teen feel so overwhelmed and unable to cope with their problems, then suicide seems like the only solution.
Teen suicide is in the spotlight in South Africa once again.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) runs the National Toll Free Suicide Crisis Helpline which takes a huge number of calls from teens who are calling for themselves or on behalf of a friend.
Throughout Teen Suicide Prevention week, Sadag will be raising awareness through school talks, online content, Facebook Friday online chats and so much more.
According to Sadag, changes in life may be upsetting and they may want to escape a difficult problem or situation, or get relief from terrible stress. You may therefore know of a friend or loved one who is going through a tough time.
At the beginning of 2018, Sadag reported that almost one in 10 teen deaths in South Africa are suicide related. According to Sadag, an average of 23 suicides and 230 serious attempts are recorded every day in South Africa.
Depression, alcohol and drug use, self-injury and bullying are some of the causes leading to suicide. In SA, one in four teens have attempted suicide.
Psychiatrist Dr Helen Clarke said at the time: “Teen suicide is for the most part an impulsive act by a teenager who is very likely to be struggling with probably multiple issues in their personal, family or school life. The impulsive act occurs in response to a stressor that is just one too much for an adolescent to deal with.”
Operations director Cassey Chambers said: “This Teen Suicide Prevention Week, and we’d like for all South Africans to know that they can make a difference in a teen’s life simply by taking a minute to check in with them.
”You don’t have to be a mental health professional to reach out to a teen who may be feeling depressed, those whose pain may feel too big to live with.
“Encouraging a teen who may be thinking of taking their life to share what is going on inside of them, and then truly listening with compassion and genuine concern, can be incredibly helpful for those who’ve lost hope.
“It is therefore important to know the warning signs of suicide and get help as soon as possible – it could save a life.”
Questions that can be asked is what is happening in this persons life and have they experienced any life changes recently.
Take note of the following contributing factors:
• Recent loss (of a loved one, a job, an income/ livelihood, a relationship, a pet)
• Major disappointment (failed exams, missed job promotions)
• Change in circumstances (separation/ divorce, retirement, redundancy, children leaving home)
• Mental disorder or physical illness/ injury
• Suicide of a family member, friend or a public figure
• Financial and/ or legal problems.
• Traumatic experience, Fire, Rape, Accident.
How to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide
• Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
• Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
• Be non-judgmental. Don’t debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don’t lecture on the value of life.
• Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
• Don’t dare him or her to do it.
• Don’t act shocked. This will put distance between you.
• Don’t be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
• Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
• Ask if you may contact a family member
• Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.
• Don’t leave them alone, get help from persons specializing in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
• If necessary get in touch with the police
These are some of the feelings and thoughts one experience when facing depression that may lead to suicide:
• Can’t stop the pain
• Can’t think clearly
• Can’t make decisions
• Can’t see any way out
• Can’t sleep, eat or work
• Can’t get out of depression
• Can’t make the sadness go away
• Can’t see a future without pain
• Can’t see themselves as worthwhile
• Can’t get someone’s attention
• Can’t seem to get control
Fore more information visit the Sadag website by clicking HERE
You can call Sadag on 0800 21 22 23 (8am to 8pm) or 0800 12 13 14 (8pm to 8am) for help or SMS 31393.
ALSO READ:
Teen suicide: What signs to look out for and how you can help
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