Losing his son inspired him to serve

On any given day in South Africa about 22 people take their own lives, while 220 others, per day, do not succeed in their attempt.

It means that just more than 8 000 people per year – someone’s beloved child, husband, wife – could not face the future and succeeded in ending their lives.

Marcel Hugli, Krugersdorp resident and parent who lost a child to suicide recently realised the great need for education on the topic, especially in his own community.

“After I had lost my son Yiorigos to suicide I realised how real and unacceptably high suicide is among us.”

“Those who are left behind, also known as suicide survivors are subjected to stigmatisation and that to a certain degree families become outcasts from society because of a tragedy they had no control over.

“I felt I needed to address the issues and change people’s views; and I had to start in my own community,” he says.

Marcel decided to launch an initiative by the name of Talk through which he addresses local crowds about the facts, statistics, coping mechanisms and resources relating the sometimes forbidden “s” word.

Asked for his advice to people who might have suicidal relatives, he emphasised that help is closer than people might think.

“There are a myriad of reasons why people think about or resort to taking their own lives. This might include depression, bullying, domestic issues, pressure at school or work, relationships – all the obvious ones. Then there are those that are kept deep in people’s souls – whatever the case might be. Studies have shown that discussing suicide saves lives,” he says.

“People need to talk, it might not be as easy as that, but it’s as simple.”

Marcel’s talks are based on real pain, emotion and experience accompanied by a layman’s suggestions of coping mechanisms before and after suicide.

Through his talks he wishes to lift stigmas, support those who suffer in his community and to save lives.

For more information contact Marcel on 082 724 5670.