Struggling residents urged to speak up after recent suicide attempts
Tshwane EMS said the latest suicide threat on Human Rights Day in Pretoria was the third such situation that they had responded to around the Capital City since December 2022.
Tshwane emergency services (EMS) has responded to more suicide attempts in recent months, it has announced.
On Human Rights Day, EMS, together with police, responded to a call about a man threatening to jump off the roof of the Sunnyside police station.
After several hours of negotiations with the police, EMS, a negotiator and a clergyman, the man was finally talked down.
EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso said this was the third incident to which EMS responded around Pretoria since late December 2022.
He said on February 5, a naked man atop the roof of a gym on Robert Sabukwe Street stood threatening to commit suicide.
Mabaso said the man, suspected the man was under the influence of narcotics, threatened to stab himself with a broken bottle if anyone came close to him.
He said police negotiators and emergency services managed to talk him down.
Mabaso said on January 2, Pretoria central police managed to stop a 57-year-old man from committing suicide by jumping off the rooftop of a building in the CBD.
The man had claimed that some men were pursuing him, trying to take his life.
Mabaso said the incident took place on the corner of Pretorius and Sophie de Bruyn streets, and authorities managed to talk the man off the roof.
He said on December 21, a man believed to be in his 40s, sustained serious injuries when he tried to commit suicide on the N1 South, at the Jean Road Bridge crossing, in Centurion.
According to emergency services on the scene, the man fell onto a metal road barrier when he attempted to hang himself.
Mabaso said the man was transported to a local healthcare facility for treatment.
Rekord spoke to local NGO Kitso Lesedi for tips on how to prevent suicide.
“Suicide is a desperate attempt to escape suffering that has become unbearable.
Blinded by feelings of self-loathing, hopelessness and isolation, a suicidal person can’t see any way of finding relief except through death.
But despite their desire for the pain to stop, most suicidal people are deeply conflicted about ending their own lives. They wish there was an alternative but just can’t see one,” said Kitso Lesedi community development (KLCD) in a statement.
KLCD hosted a two-day mental health workshop in November last year, under the theme “it’s okay to not be okay”.
Here are warning signs to look out for:
– Talking about suicide: Any talk about suicide, dying or self-harm such as “I wish I hadn’t been born,” “If I see you again…” and “I’d be better off dead”.
– Seeking out lethal means: Seeking access to guns, pills, knives or other objects that could be used for suicide.
– Preoccupation with death: Unusual focus on death, dying or violence. Writing poems or stories about death.
– No hope for the future: Feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and being trapped (“There’s no way out”). A belief that things will never get better or change.
– Self-loathing, self-hatred: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, shame and self-hatred. Feeling like a burden (“Everyone would be better off without me”).
– Getting affairs in order: Making out a will. Giving away prized possessions. Making arrangements for family members.
– Saying goodbye: Unusual or unexpected visits or calls to family and friends. Saying goodbye to people as if they won’t be seen again.
– Withdrawing from others: Withdrawing from friends and family. Increasing social isolation. Desire to be left alone.
– Self-destructive behaviour: Increased alcohol or drug abuse, reckless driving, unsafe sex. Taking unnecessary risks as if they have a “death wish”.
– A sudden sense of calm: A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean that the person has decided to attempt suicide.
And some suicide prevention tips:
– Speak up if you’re worried
– Respond quickly in a crisis
– Offer help and support
– Follow-up on treatment
– Be proactive
– Encourage positive lifestyle changes
– Make a safety plan
– Remove potential means of suicide
– Continue your support over the long haul
“Depression in particular plays a large role in suicide. The difficulty that suicidal people have to imagine a solution to their suffering is due in part to the distorted thinking caused by depression,” KLCD continued.
Residents are advised to constantly monitor their mental state and seek out assistance if necessary.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group can be reached on 0800 567 567 or 011 234 4837. For more information, visit www.sadag.org
ALSO READ: Man talked down from jumping off Sunnyside police station roof
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