WITH social ills more prevalent in communities than ever before, founder of BAFDT Community Support Group, aimed at providing free grief and trauma counseling, urges residents to take heed of suicide and depression.
In commemoration of Suicide Prevention Week, observed annually from February 12 to 19, founder of BAFDT, Audrey Anderson, said social ills were influential in leading to anxiety, depression, suicide and death.
Focused on raising awareness and preventing suicides, Anderson added that as a community, residents needed to be aware of the signs and take action.
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“The life we have become accustomed to has become extremely stressful, as unemployment, abuse, poverty, unemployment, 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. There are teenagers trying to find themselves, peer pressure, social media, cyber bullying, self-identification and trying to fit in, or being labeled or teased which contributes to teenage suicide. Some people also take their own lives when they cannot cope with ill treatment, which we are seeing an increase of,” said Anderson.
Loss of appetite, excessive sleeping, over-eating, not in the mood to do anything and talks of wanting to take one’s life are all signs of suicide, according to Anderson, who wished to remind residents that mental health issues are increasing.
“People need to be aware of the signs. Many of us are not aware of these issues so we need to become aware of the changes in our loved one’s behavior. Seek professional advice and support if necessary. We can save a life. In a time where there is so much loss, the BAFDT Community Support Group is here to lend a listening ear and provide comforting support,” Anderson added.
BAFDT is a non-profit organisation which offers free group and one-on-one counseling and support, grief share, trauma de-briefing, domestic violence and psycho-social counseling at the WOW Centre on 221 Austerville Drive, Wentworth.
For more information, contact Audrey Anderson on 081 431 7458.
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