Organisation aims to help those dealing with depression

HOPING to help those in need, the Wentworth-based community organisation, BAFDT, which specialises in grief counselling, urges residents to know the signs of depression on the back of Suicide Prevention Day.

Marking depression as the main warning sign of a possible suicide, BAFDT’s founder, Audrey Anderson, encourages residents to take action once the signs are spotted, as the organisation can assist with providing free grief and trauma counselling.

World Suicide Prevention Day is observed annually on September 10, to raise awareness in order to prevent cases of suicide. ‘Creating Hope through Action’ has been the triennial [lasting for three years] theme for World Suicide Prevention Day from 2021, and is the theme for 2023.

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“The theme serves as a powerful call to action and reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that through our actions, we can encourage hope and strengthen prevention. With social ills being more prevalent in communities than ever before, we aim to provide free counselling and encourage people to take heed of suicide and depression.

“Social ills are influential in leading to anxiety, depression, suicide and death. The life we have become accustomed to has become extremely stressful, as unemployment, abuse, poverty, peer pressure, drugs, gangsterism, teenage pregnancy, divorce and many more social ills are rife.

“Many of us experience emotions we cannot cope with as adult life has challenges which become more and more difficult. Not having the right support structure can lead to over-indulgence of alcohol, drugs or promiscuity, which sometimes leads to taking one’s own life. We also need to be aware of teenagers who are still trying to find themselves, while dealing with peer pressure, social media, cyberbullying, self-identification and trying to fit in or being labelled or teased, all which contribute to teenage suicide.

“Some people also take their own life when they cannot cope with ill-treatment, which we are seeing an increase of,” said Anderson.

She added that due to people not being aware of the signs, many are unable to associate changes in their loved one’s behaviour with the signs of depression.

“If professional advice and support is sought when necessary, we can save a life. In a time where there is so much loss, we are here to lend a listening ear and provide comforting support,” Anderson added.

BAFDT is a non-profit organisation that offers free group and one-on-one counselling and support, grief sharing, trauma de-briefing and domestic violence and psycho-social counselling at the Wentworth Organisation of Women (WOW) Centre on 221 Austerville Drive, Wentworth.

BAFDT will host their next counselling session on September 16 at the Wow Centre, at 10:00. For more information, contact Audrey Anderson at 081 431 7458.

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