Untreated mental health conditions linked to suicide

Suicidal thoughts, much like mental health conditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.

Suicide is often the result of an untreated mental health condition.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month – a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly stigmatised topic.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), South Africa has the sixth highest rate of suicide in Africa.

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It is commonly accepted that the majority of suicides and suicide attempts occur among individuals who suffer from undiagnosed and untreated depression, with the WHO estimating that more than 300 million people are affected by depression worldwide.

Cipla’s Associate Director Marketing in the portfolio Central Nervous System, Wouter Lombard, says that in light of World Suicide Prevention Day yesterday, it should be emphasised that depression is in fact a medical condition.

‘Just as any other organ in the body can become ill or affected, so too can the brain.

‘Various factors – not just chemical imbalances within certain sections of the brain – can lead to various mental illnesses, including depression.’

Lombard explains that depression is a medical condition that can be diagnosed and treated.

‘It is believed that about 50% of individuals with depression do not receive treatment.’

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Some of the signs and symptoms of depression include problems concentrating, remembering details, making decisions, fatigue, feelings of guilt, hopelessness, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in things once pleasurable, overeating or appetite loss, persistent feelings of sadness and suicidal thoughts.

‘If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to seek professional help.

Depression does not simply go away, and there is no shame in seeking help for it,’ Lombard says.

According to information by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), individuals with suicidal thoughts can be empowered to seek help by understanding and identifying the warning signs within themselves.

Whether you are helping a friend, or need help yourself, contact the SADAG suicide helpline on 0800 567567 or visit www.sadag.org for more information and help.

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