“Suicide is complex and there is rarely a single deciding factor, however depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as well as interpersonal conflicts or a crisis, are often underlying risk factors,” says Megan Gonsalves, Netcare Akeso’s crisis line and marketing manager.

“While some suicides are planned carefully months in advance, many appear to be impulsive and may be acted on within hours or minutes of being conceived.

“A study by the Harvard School of Public Health found that one in four survivors of almost lethal suicide attempts deliberated for less than five minutes before acting on the impulse, and a mere 13% of those interviewed had thought about suicide for more than a day,” says Gonsalves.

Five practical steps when you are concerned someone may be at risk:

Ask: Be direct in asking the person whether they are thinking about suicide or have plans to harm themselves.

Be there: Listening without judgment is key to understanding more about what the person is thinking and feeling. You don’t need to give advice; just listen and be there for them.

Help them keep safe: Don’t leave the person alone. Where possible, reduce access to any harmful items or areas where suicide could be attempted.

Connect with professional help: Many resources and suicide helplines can be contacted, including the Netcare Akeso 24 hour crisis line on 0861 435 787 and the South African Anxiety and Depression Group (SADAG) 24-hour suicide crisis helpline on 0800 567 567.

Help guide the person to a safe place for support and, if possible, help them reach out to these resources.

Follow up: Stay in touch with the person after the crisis or after they have contacted a professional. Ongoing support is important to mental health and wellbeing.

Suicide facts by numbers

Suicide accounts for approximately 700 000 deaths each year worldwide.

For each suicide, there are an estimated 20 suicide attempts.

In 2019, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally.

It is estimated that one in five people has suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

South Africa is ranked in the top 10 countries by suicide rate with 23,5 suicides per 100 000 people, and this represents approximately 14 000 suicides each year

Addressing myths about suicide
Myth 1: Talking about suicide will encourage suicidal attempts
Myth 2: Suicides happen without warning
Myth 3: Once a person is intent on suicide you cannot stop them
Myth 4: People who threaten suicide are seeking attention

*Information provided by Netcare Akeso crisis line