A suicide monster tightens its grip on teenagers

WORLD Mental Health Day in October has come to an end. Awareness campaigns have highlighted one growing problem – teen suicide – and its impact on modern society.

The SA Depression and Anxiety Action Group (SADAG) has stressed that the incidence of suicide among teenagers should not be a secret.

“There are many reasons why a teenager may want to end their life. Depression is the leading cause of suicide. This makes them feel hopeless and helpless, and they often see no reason to live.

“Other factors may include substance abuse, school bullying and domestic violence. At their age, they go through a lot of emotional ups and downs, and depression is not a sign of weakness.”

SADAG warns that four or more of the following symptoms, if they persist for more than two weeks, may indicate depression:

• feeling of guilt
• lack of trust
• loss of interest in hobbies, decision to be alone
• feeling anxious or tired
• regular drug/alcohol use
• thinking about death/suicidal thoughts
• increased/decreased appetite
• sleep problems
• problems concentrating at school

Read also: : Suicide prevention: “Get help,” SADAG advises

Dr Sebolelo Seape, psychiatrist and chair of the Psychiatry Management Group (PsychMG), agreed: “Each year, almost one in ten teenage deaths in South Africa is the result of suicide. As many as 20% of high school students have tried to take their own lives. However, suicide rarely happens without warning, and knowing and recognizing these signs is the most effective way to prevent suicide.

“For teens and young adults, World Mental Health Day on October 10 this year focused on preventing teen suicide starting with a better understanding of the symptoms of depression. Most people with depression are not suicidal, but most suicidal people are depressed.

He added that the study showed that a quarter of students in grades 8-11 in all South African provinces felt so sad or hopeless that they were unable to carry out their daily activities for two weeks or more. More than one in six people have thought about, planned to commit or attempted suicide at least once in the last six months.

“This suggests that a large percentage of teenagers suffer from mental and emotional problems. Young people are the future of our country and we must act to prevent the devastating consequences of their loss of hope for the future,” he concluded.

It is recommended that when talking to a teenager at risk of suicide, you ask direct questions about suicidal thoughts. Also try to understand their point of view without judgment.

Contact the Suicide Crisis Helpline on 0800 567 567 or the WhatsApp chatline on 076 882 2775 or text to 31393.

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