SADAG urges South Africans to break the silence on World Suicide Prevention Day
With World Suicide Prevention Day raising global awareness, mental health advocates encourage families to recognise warning signs and seek urgent support.
World Suicide Prevention Day, observed on September 10, was created to raise awareness around the world that suicide can be prevented.
The annual event is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO).
According to the IASP, there are more than an estimated 720 000 suicides each year around the world.
The IASP website states that every suicide profoundly affects many more people and remains a critical global issue, affecting individuals and communities worldwide.
Changing the narrative
Changing the narrative on suicide aims to inspire individuals, communities, organisations and governments to engage in open and honest discussions about suicide and suicidal behaviour.
According to the WHO, this year marks the third and final year of the triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, ‘Changing the Narrative on Suicide’.
The theme, ‘Start the Conversation’, calls on everyone to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma, foster open and compassionate conversations about suicide, and shift from silence and misunderstanding to openness, empathy and support.
The aim is to create environments where people feel able to speak up and seek help.
Breaking a taboo topic
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) operations director Cassey Chambers said suicide remains a very taboo topic in current society.
“No one wants to talk about it, no one knows how to talk about it, and parents don’t want to talk to their children about it, in case it ‘plants ideas’,” she said.
Chambers added that suicide is a very real issue in South Africa, as reflected by the increasing number of calls received every day by the suicide helpline from people across the country.
Recognising the warning signs
SADAG urges families, parents, loved ones and colleagues to take every mention, threat or attempt of suicide seriously.
“Over 75% of people who die by suicide tell someone first – it is so important to know the warning signs so you can identify when someone you care about needs urgent help,” said psychiatrist and psychologist Dr Frans Korb.
Signs may include:
• Changes in eating and sleeping habits
• Loss of interest in usual activities
• Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Running away from home
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Unnecessary risk-taking behaviour
• Obsession with death and dying
• Numerous physical complaints linked to emotional distress
• Feelings of boredom, agitation, nervousness, sadness, loneliness or hopelessness
Creating a safety plan
SADAG said a safety plan can help people get through the toughest moments. It is not a cure, but it can help someone feel safer while they get the support they need.
A safety plan can include:
• My reasons for living
• People I can call for support
• Distractions or calming strategies
• My therapist or SADAG’s number: 0800 567 567
Dr Korb said many people have no access to mental health treatment or care, or do not know where to begin when seeking the help they need.
He added that stigma also prevents people from speaking up and getting help until it is too late.
If you are suffering from depression and do not know where to turn, call the SADAG suicide helpline on 0800 567 567 for free telephone counselling, information, crisis intervention and referrals to resources countrywide.
The helpline is open and available seven days a week, 365 days a year.
