One of the leading causes of death among teenagers is suicide.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reported that one in four South African teenagers has attempted suicide. Mari Lautenbach, psychologist at Maragon Private Schools in Ruimsig, said it in order to prevent teen suicide, it is vital to recognise it and treat the cause.
“Teen suicide is a very real issue in South Africa. It is not caused by one single factor, but likely by a combination of different factors. Depression can play a massive role in teenage suicide.”
Lautenbach said contributing factors include:
• Eating disorders
• Drug abuse
• Sexual abuse/rape
• Divorce of parents
• Trauma
• Household financial problems
• Being bullied/cyber bullying
• Social rejection
• Anger/guilt
• Relationship breakup
• Illness
• Disability/deformations
• Domestic violence or abuse
• Academic failure in school and grade retention
• Loneliness
• Feelings of being misunderstood
• Insecurities
• Extreme mood swings
For parents or guardians, it is important to know the signs of depression from the onset – “What is so difficult about some of these warning signs of teen suicide is that some of them are similar to normal adolescent behaviour,” Lautenbach said.
The teenage years are a trying time, and sometimes normal behaviour looks a lot like destructive behaviour. But it doesn’t hurt to look into the following warning signs of teen suicide:
• Talks about death and/or suicide (maybe even in a joking manner).
• Plans ways to kill him or herself.
• Expresses worries that nobody cares about him or her.
• Has attempted suicide in the past.
• Dramatic changes in personality and behaviour.
• Withdraws from interacting with friends and family.
• Shows signs of depression.
• Shows signs of a substance abuse problem.
• Begins to act recklessly and engage in risk-taking behaviours.
• Begins to give away sentimental possessions.
• Spends time online interacting with people who glamorise suicide and maybe even form suicide pacts.
Often, preventing teen suicide means treating teen depression. Since 75 per cent of the people who commit suicide are depressed, it is a good start to begin by treating the symptoms of teen depression.
Lautenbach added, “You should see someone immediately (and never leave your teen alone) if you suspect that a suicide attempt is imminent. Some things you might try include:
• Counselling. This can be done individually or as a family. Techniques allow your teenager to learn to cope with life. Often, when a teen learns how to handle problems (and families learn how to help), the desire to kill him or herself dissipates.
• Residential treatment. This is treatment in which a suicidal teen goes elsewhere to live for a time. This can be a special treatment facility, or it can be a therapeutic boarding school like Poortview in Ruimsig. In these settings, the teenager is monitored 24/7 in order to prevent a suicide attempt.
• Medication. This is often seen as a last resort, or as something complementary to other treatments. It is important to note that in some teenagers, medication can have the opposite effect desired; some studies show that for some teens anti-depressants actually increase the chance of teen suicide
It is important to treat your child with respect and understanding. Show your unconditional love, and offer emotional support. It is important that a teen considering suicide feel loved and wanted.
Suicide crisis line: 080 056 7567
