Help is at hand for those matrics who failed
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health offers a helping hand for those pupils who feel there's no way out other than suicide.
WITH the matric results to be released tomorrow, the head of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, Dr Sibongile Zungu, appealed to matric pupils who have failed their examinations to remain calm and know that help is at hand.
Suicide due to matric failure is regarded as a contributor to the high rate of suicide among young people in South Africa. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), 75 per cent of people who commit suicide give some warning, meaning that all suicide threats should be taken seriously.
The warning signs include talking or joking about suicide, depression, preparing for death (such as giving favourite things away), self-criticism and changes in personality, such as sudden negative and aggressive behaviour.
Dr Zungu is thus urging the public to become more vigilant when interacting with matric pupils from the class of 2014 who have failed their exams.
“South Africa has the eighth highest rate of suicide in the world, according to the South African Federation for Mental Health, and these stats cannot be ignored. History has shown us that some matric pupils who don’t do well at the exams tend to struggle to cope with the results and end up taking their own lives.
According to the SADAG, people who are suicidal can be helped in the following ways:
- 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 specialising in crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
- If necessary, get in touch with the police on 10111; or the KZN Emergency Medical on 10177, 112 or 0800005133.
