Attempt to end life every three seconds
In recent weeks a number of suicide cases of prominent people locally and globally has again put the spotlight on mental health.
In January, veteran actor Patrick Shai, took his own life at his Dobsonville home and Miss USA 2019, Cheslie Kryst, also killed herself after jumping out of a building in New York. The Herald spoke to Naomi Grobler, a registered counsellor with the HPCSA in Tzaneen to learn more about suicide and mental wellness.
She defines suicide as ending your own life intentionally as an escape from emotional and/or physical pain or suffering. “It is a permanent solution to a temporary problem,” she saidd. Grobler added that mental health disorders that can lead to suicide, affect both men and women of all ages, ethnicity, race, and age. It is the fourth leading cause of death among the 15-19-year-olds, with the teenage demographic of 77% of global suicides occurring in low-and middle-income countries.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a suicide occurs every 40 seconds and an attempt is made every three seconds in South Africa. Hanging is the most frequently employed method of suicide, followed by shooting, gassing, and burning. About 60% of people who commit suicide in the country are depressed.
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According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), the average suicide in the country is 17.2 per 100 000 (8% of all deaths). This relates only to deaths reported by academic hospitals, the real figure is higher.
Grobler says you can spot a suicidal person if they talk or joke about suicide, they suffer from depression, or occurring symptoms of other mental health disorders, or by preparing for death by giving things away, writing farewell letters, changes to a will and testament or sorting through old keepsakes.
Other signs include extreme self-criticism and self-blame, changes in personality, loss of interest in hygiene and appearance, extreme self-criticism and self-blame, excessive feelings of guilt and failure, and a prior suicide attempt. Her advice to people who have mental disorders is to consult a professional such as a psychologist, registered counsellor, social worker and to take medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or a doctor.
Her other suggestions are self techniques, talking to someone you trust or contacting the SADAG suicide helpline on 0800 567 567, or sending an SMS to 31393. You can contact Naomi Grobler on 072 490 2368 or send an email to groblernaomi2307@gmail.co.za or by visiting www. naomigrobler.co.za. You can also follow Naomi Grobler – registered counsellor on Facebook and @ naomigroblercounselling on Instagram.
