Awareness walk to highlight suicide
TWENTY three suicides are carried out in South Africa every day
THE 10th Durban suicide awareness walk takes place in Durban View Park on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September, to raise awareness for suicide prevention and support those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
The event will begin at 8.30am at the park, located at 16 Marine Drive, Umhlanga Rocks. The entry fee is a donation of R20.
TWENTY three suicides are carried out in South Africa every day.
This sobering statistic underlies a very real problem, especially when one considers that for every suicide, there are 20 attempted suicides, a number which could be even higher as suicide is still very under-reported, according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
“75% of people who attempt suicide give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Therefore, it is vital for loved ones to know the warning signs and symptoms,” said clinical psychologist and SADAG board member, Zamo Mbele.
“Many people don’t know how to respond to suicide, attempted suicide, and ideation (the feeling of wanting to commit suicide). Some might frame suicide attempts as ‘selfish acts’ accusing the individual of not caring for those around them. Suicidal ideation is often brushed off, painted as someone being overdramatic, or dismissed as an empty threat. The truth is that suicidal people are scared to face it head on – mortality can be a frightening concept,” said psychologist Gregory Eccles.
World suicide prevention day is on 10 September. Lori, the organiser of this initiative, said: “This is an important day as it resonates all over the world to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention as well as remember loved ones taken by suicide. It is vital to make people aware about the warning signs of suicide and that mental illness be given the priority it deserves in our country.”
If you or a loved one are seeking help, SADAG provides free telephonic counselling, information and nationwide referrals to support groups, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinics and more. Online resources such as brochures, articles, self-help tips and videos can be found at www.sadag.org. The SADAG toll-free helpline (0800-708-090) and SMS line (31393) are open seven days a week, every day of the year, from 8am to 8pm.
