LIFESTYLE NEWS - South African teens are facing a crisis - 1 in 5 attempt suicide. Support Teen Suicide Prevention week from 14 - 21 February 2015.
The facts are:
- 1 in 5 youth attempt suicide
- Age 10 - 19 group are one of the highest risk groups for suicide
- 38.3% felt so hopeless they needed to see a doctor
- 29.1% had attempted suicide that needed medical treatment
- 9.5% of all non-natural teen deaths are due to suicide
- Less than 1% of Mental Hospital beds are allocated for children and adolescents
We run the only Suicide Crisis Centre in South Africa and offer support, counselling, information and referrals to those who are feeling depressed and or who are thinking about suicide. SADAG dedicates the month of February to the prevention of Teen Suicides.
Teen Suicide Prevention Week (14-21st February) is a campaign aimed at promoting and creating awareness around Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention. During this week we will be hosting a Facebook Friday online chat on the 20th February at 13:00 with suicide survivor Daryl Brown and psychologist Zamo Mbele, then at 19:00, Daryl will be re-joining us with psychiatrist Dr Helen Clark who will be answering all your questions on depressive symptoms, warning signs, how to talk to someone who is feeling suicidal, and where you can get help for yourself or a teen you know.
In addition, we will also be visiting schools across the country, going class-to-class educating the teens and teachers by helping them to identify the symptoms of depression in themselves and their friends as well as the warning signs of suicide. Over 1 million South African Teens have been reached with our Teen Suicide Prevention School Talk Programme.
What you can say that helps:
- You are not alone in this. I'm here for you.
- I understand you have a real illness and that's what causes these thoughts and feelings.
- You may not believe it now, but the way you're feeling will change.
- I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.
- When you want to give up, tell yourself you will hold on for just one more day, hour, and minute - whatever you can manage.
- You are important to me. Your life is important to me.
- Have you ever heard someone say two or more of the following?
- Life isn't worth living
- My family and friends would be better off without me
- Next time I'll take enough pills to do the job right
- Don't worry, I won't be around to deal with that
- You'll be sorry when I'm gone
These signs may mean someone is at risk for suicide. Risk is greater if a behaviour is new or has increased and if it seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawn or feeling isolated.
- Preoccupation with death.
- Loss of interest in things one cares about.
- Visiting or calling people to say goodbye.
- Making arrangements; setting one's affairs in order.
- Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
- I won't be in your way much longer
- I just can't deal with everything - life's too hard
- Nobody understands me - nobody feels the way I do
Source : Sapa
