Suicide among Limpopo teens of grave concern
Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba is concerned over a forensic pathologist report indicating that 59 teens have committed suicide in the province this year.
POLOKWANE – A forensic pathologist report from the Limpopo Heath Department indicates that from January 1 to date, 59 teenagers in the province have committed suicide.
The number is of grave concern to Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba according to a statement by her spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha.
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He said the MEC is worried that the number of teenagers who commit suicide, will continue to grow. “World Mental Health Day was observed on October 10 under the theme ‘Mental health in an unequal world’ under difficult conditions, as the Covid-19 pandemic has had a serious impact on worsening the situation. Many people have lost their jobs, families are broken as many have buried their loved ones, the number of divorces have increased and society is expected to practice behavioural change as we live under a new normal,” Muavha explained.
Depression and other mental health issues have been cited as main reasons why teenagers commit suicide.
“Of the 59 recorded suicides, 49 hanged themselves, five died by injecting themselves with substances, four died of overdose (pills), and one through gunshot. These statistics are a cause for concern as it indicates the seriousness and critical mental conditions that many people in our society suffer. These include depression, substance abuse, anxiety, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These conditions can be severe and long-lasting and have a big impact on people’s ability to get on with life,” Muavha added.
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Ramathuba said mental health illnesses have never been treated as medical emergencies such as heart attacks. “The fact is that in all cases, if not prioritised, the end result is the same – death. We call upon society to act with a sense of emergency whenever we see someone act differently. Let’s seek medical intervention from qualified mental health practitioners. Let’s be our brother’s keeper and fight stigmatisation of mental health,” she concluded.
