Teenage depression and suicide are on the rise
ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a suicide occurs every 40 seconds and an attempt is made every three seconds in the world.
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MOKOPANE – ACCORDING to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a suicide occurs every 40 seconds and an attempt is made every three seconds in the world. Teenage depression and suicide among teenagers in South Africa are on the rise and children as young as 10 have taken their lives, says Dr Elca Erlank, a social worker at the Stabilis Treatment Centre in Pretoria.
Following the recent suicide of a Hoërskool Hans Strijdom learner in Mookgophong, Bosveld spoke to Erlank and Dr Michiel van der Merwe, head of Stabilis, a centre that provides treatment for drug, alcohol and medication abuse.
They pointed out that in South Africa, hanging is the most frequently employed method of suicide, followed by shooting, gassing and burning. In South Africa, 60% of people who commit suicide suffer from depression. The suicide rate for children aged 10 to 14 has more than doubled over the last 15 years in South Africa.
How can a parent take preventative measures against this secret killer among teenagers? The first defence is to gain knowledge about the signs and symptoms of depression in teenagers.
Signs and symptoms of depression in teenagers:
• Battling feelings of guilt and having no confidence.
• Feeling like a failure and like you have let your family down.
• Losing interest in hobbies and sports activities.
• The teenager would rather be alone most of the time.
• Often feel restless or tired.
• Having trouble concentrating on things like homework or watching television.
• Having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Appetite has increased or decreased significantly.
• Having unrealistic ideas about the great things they want to do.
• Thoughts are racing and the mind can’t slow down.
• Often think about death. Thoughts about suicide pop into mind .
• Using drugs and or alcohol on a regular basis.
What to do if you suspect someone close to you may be contemplating suicide:
While some suicides may occur without any outward warning, most do not. The most effective way to prevent suicide is to learn to recognise the signs of someone at risk. Take these signs seriously and know how to respond to them.
Suicidal behaviour and or thoughts are deadly serious. Seek help from a registered professional like a medical doctor, psychologist of social worker. Treatment of depression and suicidal issues form part of the rehabilitation programme at Stabilis.
Erlank and Van der Merwe can be contacted at (012) 333 7702. Alternatively, visit www.stabilis.org.za.
