Teenage suicide prevention week
Teenage suicide is a real problem and needs to be addressed.
Having heard of a case of a seven-year-old who committed suicide, child psychiatrist Dr Helen Clark emphasised the need for parents to know their children’s mental state.
About 9.5 percent of teenage deaths were due to suicide and there was no funding from the department of health to help.
At the beginning of Teen Suicide Prevention Week on 16 February, Clark was the main speaker at the South African Depression and Anxiety Group press launch.
“You need to take note of any change,” said Clark. “The pattern might change in behaviour, performance at school, the child might not be able to integrate in their space or sudden mood changes might occur.”
Child psychologist Dr Zamo Mbele said three emotions led to teenage suicide. “Teenagers feel a lot of pressure, confusion and loneliness,” said Mbele. “Teens go through a daunting time because they are often misunderstood.”
For Mbele and Clark the emphasis was on prevention. “Teens are often pawns in maintenance or custody battles,” said Clark. “Family is not a stable phenomenon. There may be no money or domestic violence, and these are actually structures that are supposed to be protective. The most powerful miscommunication is attempted suicide.” There are further steps of prevention. The depression group’s operations director Cassey Chambers said social media had the potential to safe a life. “If you see a Facebook status where someone plans to commit suicide there is a forum where you can report it. Such a status is often a cry for help.”
Details: Sadag 011 26396, www.sadag.org, toll free line 0800 56 567, SMS 31393.
