Sadag puts spotlight on teen suicide ahead of exams

Thus far the organisation has visited 367 schools and educated pupils on mental health illness and causes.

Lian Taljaard, researcher and counsellor at Sadag, explained that the organisation host these talks, titled Suicide should not be a secret, as a way to raise awareness of the issue.

“Research has highlighted that teenage suicide is increasing, and as Sadag, it is important that we talk to pupils about this and educate them on what causes it,” he said.

He also explained that, through these sessions, the organisation wanted to remove the stigma surrounding mental health illness and encourage teenagers to speak out about it.

During these sessions, counsellors address pupils in their classrooms and offer them information and resources on suicide and mental health illness.

“We also provide educators with some training on how to assist pupils experiencing problems, and provide them with contact numbers that can [help],” Taljaard said.

Taljaard explained that it was important to discuss the issue of suicide, especially as examinations are approaching and pupils are bound to be anxious and stressed.

Brian Julius, president of Hope LLC, added that the project began 15 years ago and has always been a priority for the organisation, as suicide was often a result of mental health illnesses.

“We also want to deal with the stigma surrounding depression, being that it affects certain people, and let pupils know that anyone can be affected,” he said.

Sadag also offers pupils counselling after the examinations, especially for those who fail, and offers them options they can consider.

Taljaard encouraged pupils, and the general public, to contact Sadag on their toll-free number or via their website should they be in need of assistance, or know of someone in need of help.

“We want the public to know that suicide is treatable and can be curbed, if they reach out and seek help,” he said.

Details: 0800 567 567; SMS 31393; www.sadag.org