ACCORDING to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG):
- One in five youth attempt suicide.
- Between the ages of 10 and 19 are one of the highest risk groups for suicide.
- Some 38.3% of teens felt so hopeless, they needed to see a doctor.
- About 29.1% had attempted suicide that needed medical treatment.
- About 9.5% of all all non-natural teen deaths are due to suicide.
- Less than one percent of mental hospital beds are allocated for children and adolescents.
Warning signs of suicide:
These signs may may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behaviour is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
What can you say that helps:
- 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.
Have you heard someone say two or more of the following:
- Life isn’t worth living.
- My family and friends would be better off without me.
- Next time I’ll take enough pills to do the job right.
- Don’t worry, I won’t be around to deal with that.
- You’ll be sorry when I am gone.
DID YOU KNOW?
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