Not a jolly season for all
SANDTON – According to a clinical psychologist, suicide over the festive season is an issue for numerous reasons.
The festive season, which is typically described as the season to be jolly, is not so jolly for some.
Doron Zar, a Sandton-based clinical psychologist, delved into the issue of suicide over the festive season. “The research is quite conflicted when it comes
to suicide rates over the holiday period, but [numerous] factors are certainly pertinent to this time of year.”
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The first factor that Zar discussed involves family and friends who come together over the December holidays. “Essentially, for most people, the festive season is a happy time of year because it’s about celebrating and spending the time together with family and friends. Those who are at risk are those who are disconnected from people [or are] socially isolated.”
Therefore, instead of feeling togetherness, these people may be alone and depressed during this time of the year and feelings of sadness and loneliness are amplified when everyone else is so happy.
“This is often a time [when a recovering addict] relapses into alcohol or drug abuse, which may then lead to feeling even more hopeless about one’s life.”
According to Zar, factors that contribute to this might include bereavement, divorce or the fact that the people who usually spend the festive season with this person are no longer present. “[This] contributes to feelings of sadness and being alone. Financial difficulties also contribute to a sense of not having anything to celebrate or look forward to, and this time then highlights a lack of having something to celebrate.”
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There are signs to look out for if someone you know may be at risk during any time, not only during the festive season. These signs include, but are not limited to, social withdrawal, neglect in self-care, no longer doing activities that one used to enjoy, a change in appetite or sleep, anger outbursts and moodiness which may be out of proportion to the situation, apathy and giving away personal items.
Residents who suspect that a loved one may be suicidal are urged to contact a therapist or doctor immediately.
Details: Doron 082 321 8959; Lifeline 011 728 1347; Contact a Sadag counsellor between 8am and 8pm Monday to Sunday, call 011 234 4837; For a suicidal emergency contact Sadag on 0800 567 567; 24hr Sadag helpline 0800 121314 or SMS 31393.
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*Article first published on 7 December 2016
