#Mentalhealth: Westville students raise awareness on suicide
Students were eager to receive semicolon henna tattoos to show their support and help raise awareness for suicide prevention.
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AS South Africa commemorates World Mental Health Month, the IIE’s Varsity College Westville also participated by holding an awareness campaign to shed light on suicide and mental health issues.
The intervention was a joint project between The IIE’s Varsity College Westville student wellness manager, Zanele Ntombela, and The IIE Bachelor of Arts honours in psychology students.
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Some students received semicolon henna tattoos in support and awareness of suicide prevention. A semicolon represents a sentence the author could have ended but chose not to, It has become a symbol of support for those affected by mental health issues.
“Mental health awareness should be an everyday activity in our society to reduce stigma and discrimination against depression, anxiety and suicide because suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. We are reminding students that there is help and that they can break the silence with the support that is available to them,” said Ntombela.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) gave a talk on resources and services available to anyone who may need to speak to someone anonymously.
SADAG counsellors are available seven days a week, from 09:00 to 16:00, via a WhatsApp chat line on 076 882 2775. SMS 31393 or 32312 and a counsellor will call you back.
SADAG’s helpline provides free telephonic counselling, information, referrals and resources. Call 0800 21 22 23, 0800 70 80 90 or 0800 456 789 or the Suicide Helpline on 0800 567 567.
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