Suicide might be affecting more people than many think, affecting higher age groups that are seen to be implicated more in suicidal behaviour, even though it can happen at any age.
This was reported by Dr Nimesh Naran from the Halfway House Community Healthcare Centre on October 29 after addressing patients and guests who were a part of the facility’s Mental Health Awareness Campaign, encouraging them to get help.
Naran said that suicide is one of the most serious culminations in mental illness.
This is the reason they were trying to impart to everyone that there is something that they can do as mental health professionals to prevent mental illness leading to the point where somebody wants to commit suicide or has thoughts about it.
He said, “It is a very difficult time in one’s life when they have to go through that because they feel as if they do not have a purpose, but we want to assure people that there is a purpose and we can help them find that and enjoy better mental health.
Naran added, “We have many services that we offer here and we will be able to assist people. We have a mental health doctor, psychologist, social worker, counsellor and occupational therapist. We have been able to help a lot of people and tried to improve their function as well.”
Chantelle Erasmus, who has received help from the mental health team at the Halfway House centre, said that her experience was tough but what made it simple and nice was being able to trust the doctors, counsellors, and nurses.
“These people would like to help us a lot. Because this facility is also a public one, one would sometimes be unsure of the service they are going to get here.
“But if you talk to them and express how you feel about your problems, you will find that these people are here to help.”
Details: Halfway House Community Healthcare Centre 011 805 3112.
