ACT to help teens, create awareness about suicide
One teen suicide is one suicide too many.
Teen suicide is in the spotlight in South Africa once again.
It’s Teen Suicide Prevention Week and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) runs the national toll-free suicide crisis helpline, which takes a huge number of calls from teens who are calling for themselves or on behalf of a friend.
The most at-risk age group for suicide is adolescents and suicides are often covered in press stories which highlight the pressing need within this country to ensure that we continue sharing as much information on teen suicide prevention as we possibly can.
One teen suicide is one suicide too many.
#ACT for Teen Suicide Prevention
One small ACT can make a difference and may save a life.
#AskCareTreat (ACT) is a call to action to encourage early intervention when someone is experiencing difficulty navigating stress, depression or may be at risk of suicide.
Sadag wants parents, teachers, friends and communities to recognise the risk factors and warning signs that may indicate a potential suicidal crisis, and empower everyone to know how to #ACT:
• Ask – Ask directly: “Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts?”, “Have you ever thought of hurting yourself?”, “Have you ever felt like you don’t want to live anymore?”.
• Care – Listen without judgment. Show that you care.
• Treat – Get your child, friend or teen immediate assistance. Escort him or her to the nearest adult, trusted teacher, or mental health professional (GP’s, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker, church leader, counsellor, etc.) for treatment. Alternatively, call Sadag 0800 567 567/0800 21 22 23 or SMS 31393 for help.
To help encourage others to get help, click here for the Suicide Prevention #ACT posters that you can put up at your school, community center or workplace notice board.
FREE Facebook Friday Online Expert Q&A
Don’t miss the free Teen Suicide Prevention Facebook Friday online Q&A, February 21 from 1pm – 2pm with clinical psychologist Daniella Matthews with a special interest in family therapy and adolescence.
The 7pm – 8pm chat will be hosted by clinical psychologist Curwyn Mapaling.
It is important for all parents, teachers and friends to know the warning signs of teen suicide, how to talk about depression and how to get help.
Go to Sadag on Facebook to join or if you’d like to ask your questions anonymously, email them to media@anxiety.org.za and they will post it on your behalf. Then, just watch the chat for answers.
