With World Suicide Prevention Day on Friday September 10, the Herald spoke to a local psychiatrist about the sensitive topic.
Dr Mathabathe Jermina Sebei, psychiatrist at Lenmed Randfontein Private Hospital explained there is an estimated 23 suicides per day in the country, and that 60% of people who commit suicide are depressed, although most who are depressed are not suicidal.
She explained that suicide in the 15 to 24-year-old age group is the fastest-growing cause of death.
“There is a limited literature available about suicide in South Africa in 2020 and 2021, however, former Minister of Health, Dr Mkhize reported that close to 1 800 people had committed suicide in the country in the four months following the declaration of the lockdown in 2020.”
Dr Sebei stated that the pandemic has increased anxiety and depressive symptoms amongst people with existing and pre-existing undiagnosed mental disorders, and that lockdown further isolated people from socialising.
According to Dr Sebei, men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women, and they use more aggressive methods like gunshots, poisoning and hanging compared to women who attempt more often but use less aggressive methods like pill-overdosing.
“Factors that predispose people to high risk of committing suicide include lack of coping skills, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, poor social support system, psychosis, and use of substances including alcohol.”
Dr Sebei gave the following advice on how to help someone with suicidal thoughts:
• Be a willing and active listener
• Take note of any behavioural changes or warning signs, and ask what is troubling them
• Ask people who are depressed if they are considering suicide
• Don’t argue with someone who has suicidal thoughts or ideas
Dr Sebei explained not all suicides are preventable, but a suicide risk assessment can enable healthcare providers to manage patients at risk. She gave the following tips:
• Make sure you are not alone
• Don’t use drugs or alcohol
• Ask family to lock away dangerous weapons
• Isolating yourself is not a good idea
• Keep pictures of your favourite people or pets with you
Dr Sebei gave the following advice on where to seek help:
• Tell someone immediately like a parent or teacher
• Call SADAG on 0800 056 7567 or SMS 31393
• Present yourself to the nearest casualty, local doctor, psychologist or psychiatrist
The following are potential warning signs of someone who might want to commit suicide:
• Severe sadness or moodiness
• Hopelessness
• Sleep problems
• Sudden calmness after a period of depression
• Withdrawal from social activities
• Dangerous or self-harm behaviour
• Recent trauma or life health crisis
