Increasing suicide among teens also affects the Vaal
Suicide among young children is increasing in South Africa. Just a month ago, a Vereeniging family was devastated by the death of their young son, a learner at a respected primary school in Vereeniging.
VEREENIGING. – Suicide among young children is increasing in South Africa. Just a month ago, a Vereeniging family was devastated by the death of their young son, a learner at a respected primary school in Vereeniging.
He died after apparently choking himself at home. His identity and school’s name are being withheld on request.
It is not yet clear if he died as a result of the infamous chocking game or as a result of depression.
Apart from his death, this year has already brought the shattering news that an 8-year-old girl took her own life in Durban. Towards the end of last year a 6-year-old boy was found hanging in a school bathroom in Seshego. Soon afterwards, a 12-year-old girl hung herself, while a 19-year-old woman reportedly jumped to her death in Johannesburg. Not only are these reports heartbreaking, but they highlight that our country’s children and teens are in desperate need of mental health care.
As part of Teen Suicide Prevention Week which was observed from 11 to 18 February, Child Psychiatrist, Dr H Clarke said: “Teen suicide is for the most part an impulsive act by a teenager who is very likely to be struggling with probably multiple issues in their personal, family or school life. The impulsive act occurs in response to a stressor that is just one too much for an adolescent to deal with.”
Being a teenager is challenging in itself. During the teenage years of someone’s life, they often go through huge emotional changes. Teens start high school, form new relationships which are often confusing. As a teen there are many ups and downs which can be misunderstood as part of the usual sadness or moodiness a teen experiences. This is not always the case. Many are seriously depressed, feel hopeless, alone or finding no pleasure in the things they used to.
According to the The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) one in four teens will at some point think of or consider suicide. “With so many of us affected by mental health conditions in one way or another, it’s vital that we open an honest conversation. Education is the only way we can stop the depression that silences so many,” says Dr Clarke.
“Adolescents who are having thoughts of a suicidal nature will rarely tell their parents. They are more likely to tell their friends. It is important to access adolescents e.g. through schools to discuss what they should do if a friend tells them something of this nature,” says Dr Clarke.
* SADAG runs the only Suicide Crisis Helplines (0800 567 567) in the country. For more information, visit the website www.sadag.org and click on the link or go directly to the Facebook Page: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group.
