The new year can be a difficult time for those who feel hopeless

The end of the year, with many celebrating Christmas and the arrival of the new year, is a time of joy and excitement. However, this can hide some serious issues that many others feel during this time.

Previously, it was thought that suicide rates spike around Christmas. However, the latest research shows that the new year will be the worst time for those who feel hopeless.

Suicide always has a long accumulation of factors including emotional or physical abuse, psychological problems like rejection or abandonment, and mental illness including depression and anxiety disorders. These can sometimes be lifelong struggles the person will have to face.

Unemployment, financial difficulties, loneliness and depression can play a role in reaching the point where a person can feel that suicide is the only way out.

Alarmingly, a suicide takes place every 40 seconds all across the world, says the World Health Organisation (WHO).

With these factors culminating at a time when families and loved ones come together, the festive season could be a trigger.
When social workers at CMR Gauteng-East, a registered child- and family organisation deal with these sorts of problems, receive a case that could be of concern, they will assess the situation to come up with a way to help the person.

Henda van der Merwe, the director of CMR Gauteng-East, said “Some may need to learn new cognitive techniques to deal with the stressors in their lives. Others may have clinical depression or anxiety disorders and can be helped with medical treatment of their conditions.

“Our social workers have seen an increase in numbers of people who need help not only in emotional terms, but also those who are homeless at this time of the year – leading to hopelessness. Extreme hopelessness is a precursor to suicide, and can be prevented if the intervention takes place in time,” said Van der Merwe.

Cizelle Louw, a private clinical psychologist, stresses that anyone with thoughts of suicide, and those who talk about it, should be taken seriously.

“Never downplay the seriousness of someone talking about taking his own life. Global statistics have shown that such a person is likely to follow through on it, according to SADAG (SA Depression and Anxiety Group). Likewise, a person who has made a failed attempt should receive the correct treatment because, again according to global statistics, he is likely to try again. We are nowadays fortunate to have access to successful short-term therapies such as Brainworking Recursive Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy,” Louw said.

While people who are suicidal may not always reveal their pain or intentions, several common warning signs should be taken seriously. Check your own mental health and that of your loved ones, and look out for any of these warning signs:

– Talking or thinking about death, harming or killing themselves/yourself.

– Expressing feelings of hopelessness and having no hope for the future.

– Expressing being a “burden” to others.

– Seeking out things that may be harmful, such as drugs or weapons.

– Saying goodbye or giving away valued possessions.

– Increased isolation from family members and friends.

– Self-destructive behaviour.

– Previous suicide attempts.

– A sudden sense of calm – this could indicate the person has a suicide plan and has made ‘peace’ with that.

Do not hesitate when you notice any of these signs and always take any discussions on the topic seriously.

Netcare Akeso offers a 24-hour crisis line on 0861 435 787.

The SA anxiety and depression group (Sadag) provides a 24-hour suicide crisis helpline on 0800 567 567.

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