By Candes Keatin
Teenage suicide rates are on the increase and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is intensifying its prevention programme at schools across the country.
The "Suicide Shouldn't be a Secret" programme targets primary and high school pupils, said Zane Wilson, director of Sadag.
It also empowers teachers to be more alert to the signs of depression and suicide.
According to the group's latest statistics, nine per cent of all teenage deaths in the country are suicides. Some victims are as young as 10.
At least 12 percent of teenagers are depressed. One in every 12 teenagers has attempted suicide at least once and four per cent are contemplating suicide, says the research.
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According to the group's research, teenagers are vulnerable and commit suicide for a variety of reasons, including peer pressure, abuse, the breakdown of the family unit, failing at school, HIV and Aids, relationship disappointments and poverty.
Wilson said that while trained counsellors were visiting schools and creating awareness of suicide, they had had to intensify their efforts in 2007.
"We rolled out an SMS line for the youth because cellphones are the latest trend.
"A lot of children don't want to call our helpline, but they are comfortable with sending an SMS," she said.
"Now they can SMS us with any queries, worries or problems they have."
The SMSes are entered into a computer database and trained counsellors SMS the teenagers back.
"Children need to be encouraged to get help.
"They are very vulnerable and think and act quickly," said Wilson.
"We want to show them all the options instead of suicide. We want to let them know that there is someone who can help."
Counsellors are encouraging teenagers to talk about depression in workshops being held at schools.
They also urge friends to alert teachers about their peers who are depressed, she said.
Wilson said the organisation was targeting schools in rural areas where there is no support system for depressed pupils.
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This article was originally published on page 3 of Daily News on February 26, 2007
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