SADAG workshop sheds light on teen suicide

To address the high rate of teen suicides in communities, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) hosted an informative workshop on February 17 at Northfield Methodist Church.

The workshop, attended by parents, caregivers, community members, youth leaders, teachers and psychologists, formed part of National Teen Suicide Prevention Week observed annually from February 12 to 19.

According to SADAG counsellor Ofentse Hanyana, the workshop aimed to empower parents and caregivers on how they can support teens who may struggle with mental health challenges to prevent suicide or suicidal thoughts.

Speaking during the session, SADAG’s operations director, Cassey Chambers, said a combination of issues, caused depression. These include relationships, family history and genetics, certain medications, stressful events, school or exam pressure, trauma, financial issues and grief.

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“Some signs and symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, empty mood, loss of interest in pleasurable activities, drastic changes in sleeping habits and difficulty concentrating and making decisions.”

At least five of the symptoms are experienced daily and could last two weeks or more. Depressed people normally feel tired and have no energy.

“They isolate or withdraw themselves from family and friends. Children also drop in performance and will have feelings of guilt, worthlessness and pessimism.

“Physical symptoms include headache, stomach complaints and thoughts or mentions of death, dying and suicide.”

Chambers explained depressed children will not care about anything, such as school or friends. She added some of the behavioural problems include acting out, bullying, overeating and not having an appetite, not eating. She indicated depression is more common among adolescents than younger children.

Coping strategies

Chambers said it is important to surround yourself with positive people and to take ‘time out’- slow down.

“Take yourself out of the situation, if possible. Recall a time you handled a similar situation well. Focus on something concrete, count backwards from 20, remind yourself that attacks always end and breathe.”

“Stress is not always bad. It can be exciting and challenging because it keeps us on our toes and performs at our peak. However, too much stress can have negative effects on our bodies, minds, and feelings. Some causes of stress can be an illness, the death of a loved one, or unemployment.

“Physical symptoms of stress include sleep disturbances, muscle tension, headache and migraines, neck and backache, stomach problems or fatigue.”

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Strategies to reduce stress

Exercise

Affirmation

Avoid self-medication

Cry and dance

Develop and maintain a positive attitude

Get plenty of rest – it does not necessarily have to be sleeping

Healthy diet

Where to get help

Social workers

Child psychologists or play therapists.

SADAG helpline: 0800 567 567, 0800 456 789 or 0800 12 13 14.