Teen suicide warning signs
The warning comes after stories have emerged about the infamous Blue Whale suicide game.
The infamous Blue Whale suicide game has sparked a need for the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to speak up.
Information about the game has been doing the rounds in the South African media over the last few days and has been called fake news by some. Others, however, responded with concern and questions about how to keep their teens safe.
Naturally, SADAG decided to inform the public about teen suicide warning signs.
Read more: Alleged suicide in Homelake
According to SADAG, 25 per cent of learners report having sad or hopeless feelings. They say close to 1 in 5 attempt suicide at least once and 9,5 per cent of non-natural deaths among the youth are due to suicide.
The game has been said to induce teens to perform harmful tasks, the last being committing suicide.
SADAG said although it may sound implausible for anyone to participate in such a game, it is vital to remember that adolescence is a turbulent time.
Cassey Chambers, Operations Director of SADAG said, “The teenage brain is still developing and emotions are intense. Teens engage in experimentation, they may have a fragile self-esteem, and the peer pressure at that age should never be underestimated.”
She said technological development has since added a new dimension to teen life which poses a unique parenting challenge.
“If you are worried about a teenager in your life, the first thing to do is not be afraid to speak to them about difficult topics – for example, uncomfortable emotions, bullying, suicide, and harmful online content,” she said.
Any teens or concerned loved ones who need help can contact the SADAG Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 seven days a week between 8am and 8pm, or the 24 hour Helpline on 0800 12 13 14.
Those who would like to be contacted by a SADAG counsellor can send an SMS to 31393. SADAG also hosts teen suicide prevention school talks. To arrange such a workshop for your school, just call 0800 21 22 23.
Teen suicide warning signs:
• Sudden changes in behaviour
• Trouble at school or a drop in marks
• Mood swings
• Depressed, hopeless, empty or angry feelings
• Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
• Withdrawal from loved ones
• Not engaging in activities previously enjoyed
• Talking about or being preoccupied with death
• Saying that there is no reason to live or that it would be better if they were gone
• Greater impassivity or impatience
• Giving away favourite personal belongings
• Increased abuse of substances
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