Creating awareness about suicide
The event was supported by various community members and members of the Edenvale Youth Desk and the Edenvale SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit.
In order to commemorate Suicide Awareness Month residents of Edenvale recently took to the streets as part of a suicide awareness walk.
The walk, held on September 10, was organised by Dani de Sousa and Guenevere van Vledder who lost her son to suicide.
The aim of the walk was to raise awareness for suicide prevention and support those who have lost loved ones to suicide.
“Sometimes our circumstances can seem like giants to us but I believe hope can be found in a community which refuses to let another person face a giant alone. There is hope when a community of people genuinely care for each other,” said van Vledder.
The event saw various community members taking part, including members of the Edenvale Youth Desk and the Edenvale SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit.
Sergeant Jacob Mashile, head of the Edenvale SAPS Social Crime Prevention Unit, said the response from the community was good.
Megan Riccardi, chairperson of the Edenvale Youth Desk said they decided to get involved because suicide is a concern around the world.
She added that two members of the Edenvale Youth Desk spoke at the event about their personal experiences with suicide and some of the warning signs of suicide.
“Although we are from the Youth Desk we decided to go as members of the community to show our support and we all dressed in yellow,” said Megan.
According to Mashile and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) suicide warning signs include:
• An individual talking about death or a desire to kill him- or herself.
• The expression of being distressed.
• Individuals being overly irritated and agitated.
• If someone believes he or she is a burden to other people.
• Feelings of extreme depression and losing interest in hobbies.
• Withdrawing from family, friends and isolating oneself.
• A sudden change in moods and finding relief in the thought of suicide.
• The giving away of personal possessions.
• Changes in eating, sleeping and sexual habits.
Megan believes there is a lot of awareness regarding suicide.
However, in her opinion, awareness walks – like the one on September 10 – have a greater impact than awareness speeches.
“When you have an event and invite the entire community, you are sharing information with a broader group and not just one specific age group,” explained Megan.
Anyone interested in getting involved in the Edenvale Youth Desk or wishing to invite them to awareness events, can get in touch with Megan on 084 0580518.
For more news and interesting articles, like Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS on Facebook or follow us on Twitter
Email benews@caxton.co.za
