Suicide prevention and what you can do

Debbie Richards, director of LifeLine Ekurhuleni, spoke to the City Times about suicide prevention in light of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

What is the yearly rate of suicide in SA?

The rate of suicide in South Africa is difficult to determine, as suicide deaths are under-reported. The Medical Research Council estimated there were 6 133 suicides in 2012, with the majority being white and male. On average, 12.3 out of 100 000 people are estimated to have died from suicide in 2015. Latest statistics show that it is estimated to have increased to 10.7 people out of every 100 000 people. Regardless of what the actual figure is, one death by suicide is one too many.

What is the rate of teen suicide for 2018?

According to the South African Anxiety and Depression Group, one in four teenagers have attempted suicide. Suicide is now the third leading cause of death among 15 to 24-year-olds in South Africa, after homicide and accidental causes, such as car accidents. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) research shows more females attempt suicide than males. However, males tend to use more violent methods and are therefore more likely to die from a suicide attempt.

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How many calls does LifeLine handle on a monthly basis related to suicide?

Many of LifeLine’s callers and clients do not immediately disclose suicide intentions or thoughts. This is often a sign of learnt behaviour, as suicide is very often viewed as a taboo subject for discussion in families and communities. However, LifeLine’s volunteer counsellors have reported increasing numbers of callers revealing warning signs of suicide, such as:

• Feeling down or sad for most of the day

• Losing interest in most activities/life

• Agitation, irritability or restlessness

• Crying or feeling tearful often

• Weight loss or gain

• Changes in appetite

• Sleeping too much or too little

• Lack of energy or feeling fatigued

• Guilt or feeling worthless

• Concentration problems

• Thinking about death

• Severe hopelessness

What are the leading factors or contributors to suicide?

In general, suicide is not caused by a single or isolated event, but rather a number of factors that impact on the individual at the same time.

However, suicide is most often preceded by serious depression. Depression most often manifests itself in feelings of sadness, being trapped, overwhelmed and hopeless. Other symptoms include withdrawal from activities and loved ones, change in sleeping patterns, appetite and energy, with an increase in feelings of worthlessness, guilt and self-reproach. Risk of suicide in depressed people increases in situations of anxiety or heightened stress, excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol, physical or emotional illness, as well as major life changes such as the death of a loved one.

Possible contributory factors to suicidal behaviour include:

• Social isolation

• Unemployment and/or poverty

• Major losses

• Poor relationships

• Family conflict

• Academic and/or work stress

• Financial stress

• Other mental health/psychological conditions

Suicide can affect anyone, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status, but there are certain circumstances that increase a person’s risk for committing suicide, such as:

• Previous suicide attempts by the individual

• Using substances, especially if depressed

• Access to firearms

• Suicidal behaviour of a family member or friend

• Poor communication at home

• Exposure to violence in the family

How can LifeLine help?

LifeLine has trained counsellors providing crisis and trauma interventions via telephone and short-term face-to-face counselling sessions from three sites in Ekurhuleni. They offer 24-hour, anonymous and confidential telephone counselling on 011 422 422 or 0861 322 322, face-to-face counselling sessions: Benoni 011 421 0384 (by appointment only), Duduza 081 461 6532 and Tsakane 081 598 5743.

How can you help someone who is suicidal?

Always take threats of suicide and all attempts seriously – it is estimated that 70 per cent of all people who commit suicide give some warning signs. Some general signs one may look out for regarding the possibility of a person contemplating suicide include: If a person has previously attempted suicide – on average at least 30 per cent of people who commit suicide have previously attempted suicide. Preoccupation with and talking about death and/or suicide either directly or indirectly – statements like “everyone would be better off without me” or “there’s no point in living”. A person may also start talking or interacting with family and friends as if they are saying goodbye. Putting affairs in order such as updating a will, giving away valuables, etc.

If an individual is concerned about a family member or friend, he/she can do the following:

• Ask for help – suicide should not be a secret. Get support from a friend or family member and consider getting help or advice from a trained counsellor, psychologist or doctor.

• Try and engage with them regarding their troubles. Be willing to listen in a non-judgemental and supportive way.

• Encourage them to seek professional support and if they are reluctant to see a counsellor ensure they know LifeLine Ekurhuleni’s 24-hour emergency counselling numbers (011 422 4242 or 0861 322 322).

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