Silly season suicide alert
THE Community Support and Counselling Centre (CSCC) continues to be a beacon of hope for many people in the community, moreso with the festive season here and with people experiencing intense feelings of depression, hopelessness and helplessness.
“Currently we are debriefing of victims of crime which occurred in their homes and those who have been hijacked. We are also seeing many cases of people suffering with depression and being unable to cope,” said the organisation's Jane Laver.
Startlingly, Jane has encountered more men approaching the centre for help. “More men are asking for help, some are raising up children on their own, others are experiencing problems at work, they are depressed having lost a partner or have been retrenched.”
According to Jane, young people are also feeling pressure from home, exam results and not fitting in at school. “There is a lot of depression out there. With Christmas coming up, people are depressed as they are unable to give their families what they would like.”
The centre sees on average six people a week. “We get them medical help and continue with follow-up counselling for up to two months.”
The main feature of depression is a drastic change in mood to a feeling of sadness that is so heavy and oppressive, it is hard to describe.
Signs to look out for:
* Change in sleeping patterns, too much or too little sleep;
* Constantly feeling tired, lack of energy, can't be bothered;
* Feelings of anxiety;
* Irritability;
* Withdrawal from others;
* Reduced or increased appetite, notable weight change;
* Negative or depressive thought patterns;
* Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness;
* Talking about suicide.
Some 75% of people who speak about suicide or mention it, attempt it. She warned parents of matric pupils awaiting results to be on alert. “Many parents think their children are seeking attention if they talk about suicide.
There are a number of warning signs in suicidal person. These are:
* Previous suicide attempts;
* Hinting;
* Giving away prized possessions;
* Putting things in order;
* Withdrawing from family;
* Depression;
* Feeling hopeless and helpless.
Services offered by the CSCC are general counselling, confidential counselling, education and support services around social issues. If you need to to talk to someone, call the CSCC on 072-750-9901 or the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) which will be open throughout the festive season, even on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Call 0800-21-22-23 or SMS 31393.
