SA teens in crisis: One in 5 attempt suicide
Have you ever heard someone say two or more of the following?
ONE if five South African teenagers will attempt suicide and the age group 10 to 19 is the highest risk group.
More than 38 per cent feel so hopeless they need to see a doctor and 29 per cent had attempted suicide and needed medical treatment.
Furthermore, 9.5 per cent of all non-natural teen deaths are due to suicide.
These shocking figures were released by the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
SADAG runs the only suicide crisis centre in South Africa and offer support, counselling, information and referrals to those who are feeling depressed and or who are thinking about suicide.
What you can say that helps:
• You are not alone in this. I’m here for you.
• I understand you have a real illness and that’s what causes these thoughts and feelings.
• You may not believe it now but the way you’re feeling will change.
• I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel but I care about you and want to help.
• When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold on for just one more day, hour, and minute – whatever you can manage.
• You are important to me. Your life is important to me.
Have you ever heard someone say two or more of the following?
• Life isn’t worth living
• My family and friends would be better off without me
• Next time I’ll take enough pills to do the job right
• Don’t worry, I won’t be around to deal with that
• You’ll be sorry when I’m gone
Warning signs of suicide
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behaviour is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
• Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
• Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
• Talking about being a burden to others.
• Sleeping too little or too much.
• Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
• Preoccupation with death.
• Loss of interest in things one cares about.
• Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
• Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
• Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
• I won’t be in your way much longer.
• I just can’t deal with everything – life’s too hard.
• Nobody understands me – nobody feels the way I do.
All threats of suicide should be taken seriously. If you are concerned about a teen or yourself, please contact SADAG on 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393 or visit www.sadag.org
