THE Open Door Crisis Centre is urging parents to be aware of suicide warning signs in teenagers following the impact on the school year and the psychological effects caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
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The centre is a non-profit organisation which aims to sustain a holistic, multifaceted one-stop crisis and trauma centre offering counselling, social services and support groups.
Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated on 10 September every year and according to the centre’s Thora Mansfield, learning more about what might lead to suicide may help prevent further tragedies.
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According to SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group), a 2011 survey estimated that 17,8 per cent of high school learners have attempted to end their own lives. SADAG is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group and is committed to quality counselling, outreach and capacity building work throughout South Africa.
“Even though it is not always preventable, it’s always a good idea to be informed and take action to help a troubled teenager,” said Mansfield.
Mansfield added the reasons behind teen suicide or attempted suicide can be complex but the stress of the lockdown has also become a contributing factor.
Other issues include learners not having access to learning tools, not being able to remove oneself from dysfunctional family issues, violence at school and home as well as drug related activities.
She said unrealistic expectations of parents are also a concern.
“Much focus has been placed on abused women, poverty and little attention has been paid to the psychological, emotional and physical impact on children,” she said.
Risk of suicide
According to Mansfield, the risk of suicide increases dramatically when children and teens have access to firearms at home or overdose using over-the-counter, prescription, and non-prescription medicine which is also a common method for both attempted and successful suicides.
“A further problem is the pressure to fit in socially, perform academically, act responsibly, and also discover their sexual identity. Adolescence is also a time of sexual identity and relationships and a need for independence that often conflicts with the rules and expectations set by others.
“Young people with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or insomnia are at higher risk for suicidal thoughts.
“Teens going through major life changes (parents’ divorce, moving, a parent leaving home or parental separation, financial changes) and those who are victims of bullying are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts,” she added.
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Suicide among teens often happens after a stressful life event, such as problems at school, a breakup with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one, a divorce, or a major family conflict.
Covid-19 has amplified all these social problems, especially loss of employment of parents due to lockdown.
Parents, family or teachers need to talk about suicide or death in general give hints that they might not be around anymore.
Cry for help
“There is a myth that people or children are doing it to get attention. That may be so, but it could also be a cry for help and one has to look beneath the surface. It’s important to see warning signs as serious, not as “attention-seeking” to be ignored,” said Mansfield.
Open Door Crisis Centre social worker, Portia Kubheka pointed out that recently they have dealt with many cases of people who are having suicidal thoughts because of the lockdown.
“Most people lost their jobs and can not support their families. At the centre, we take such cases seriously and we attend to them urgently which is the reason we appeal to people to call us and get help,” she said.
People in need of help can contact the centre on 031 709 2679 or call the SADAG suicidal emergency contact number on 0800 567 567 or the 24 hour helpline, 0800 456 789.
Factors that increase the risk of suicide among teens:
– A psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use
– Feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation
– Feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression
– A previous suicide attempt
– A family history of depression or suicide
– Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
– Lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation
– Dealing with bisexuality or homosexuality in an unsupportive family or community or hostile school environment
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
