At least one in five teens attempt suicide according to a study by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
A recent study revealed that:
• one in five youth attempt suicide
• the age group between 10 and 19 are one of the highest risk groups for suicide
• 38,3 per cent felt so hopeless they needed to see a doctor
• 29,1 per cent had attempted suicide that needed medical treatment
• 9,5 per cent of all non-natural teen deaths are due to suicide
• less than 1 per cent of mental hospital beds are allocated for children and adolescents
SADAG also identified the warning signs of suicide:
• talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself
• talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
What you can say to help:
• You are not alone in this. I’m here for you
• I understand you have a real illness and that’s what causes these thoughts and feelings
• You may not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling will change
• I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help
• When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold on for just one more day, hour and minute – whatever you can manage
• You are important to me. Your life is important to me
“All threats of suicide should be taken seriously,” Meryl da Costa, spokesperson for SADAG said.
SADAG is said to be Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group.
“Are you feeling down and don’t know who to turn to, or do you know of someone, a friend at school perhaps that you’re worried about, or do you have teen who you think is showing warning signs of being depressed? If you can identify with this, SADAG is here to help.
“We run the only Suicide Crisis Centre in South Africa and offer support, counselling, information and referrals to those who are feeling depressed and or who are thinking about suicide.”
SADAG dedicates the month of February to the prevention of Teen Suicides. Teen Suicide Prevention Week from 14 to 21 February is a campaign aimed at promoting and creating awareness around Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention.
Da Costa added “During this week we will be hosting a Facebook Friday online chat on 20 February at 1pm with suicide survivor Daryl Brown and psychologist Zamo Mbele, then at 7pm, Daryl will be re-joining us with psychiatrist Dr Helen Clark who will be answering all your questions on depressive symptoms, warning signs, how to talk to someone who is feeling suicidal, and where you can get help for yourself or a teen you know.
“In addition, we will also be visiting schools across the country, going class-to-class educating the teens and teachers by helping them to identify the symptoms of depression in themselves and their friends as well as the warning signs of suicide.”
It’s said that over 1 million South African Teens have been reached with SADAG’s Teen Suicide Prevention School Talk Programme.
If you are concerned about a teen or yourself, please contact SADAG on 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 or visit www.sadag.org
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Shocking suicide statistics revealed
Depression – the unseen killer
Man found dead in suspected suicide
Anonymous help for troubled teens
