SISTERS Joy Hellerle Chiang and Belinda Hellerle are urging the community to break the silence and stigma around suicide and mental health, as they prepare to host an annual anti-suicide awareness walk this month.

The walk, organised by Survivors of Loved Ones’ Suicide (SOLOS), takes place on Sunday, September 14, at Durban View Park from 08:30.

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The theme for this year is Changing the Narrative on Suicide – a call to replace stigma and silence with openness, empathy and support.

Speaking to Northglen News, Chiang said too many people are falling through the cracks in a system that is supposed to protect them.

She referred to the recent tragedy of a Durban North teenager who took his own life days after being released from hospital, where he had been under psychiatric evaluation for just over a day.

“The system has failed those battling depression and in need of help,” Chiang said. “Better and more urgent care is needed – proper programmes and treatments. Instead, families are left with putting back the pieces like a puzzle.

“Suicide is something we don’t speak about enough. Someone dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Why wait for once a year to speak about it? We all have a responsibility to create more awareness,” she said.

Chiang also highlighted the importance of support groups in the healing journey.

“A suicidal person may not ask for help, but that doesn’t mean that help isn’t wanted or needed. Our group is about creating a ‘safe’ environment. Because of the stigma that unfortunately still exists with suicide, it can be difficult to find people who really understand and are not judgemental. I encourage suicide survivors, or families who have lost loved ones to suicide, to join a suicide support group. It is an extremely important part of the healing process,” she said.

The sisters encouraged residents, whether or not they have lost someone to suicide, to support the walk.

“This event is about showing solidarity, offering comfort, and letting people know they are not alone,” Chiang said.
For more information about the walk or to learn more about Solos, call 083 256 5993.

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