In South Africa, the start of September brought the devastating news that an 8-year-old pupil in Mpumalanga had taken his own life while at school.
Abroad, yet another public figure - singer Chester Bennington - committed suicide earlier this year, following what seems to have been a long struggle with mental illness. This has raised many questions in our minds, most of them left unanswered.
What would lead a child to suicide? Could we have prevented this? How can a world-renowned star feel there is nothing left to live for?
In our country, there are 23 suicides each day, and hundreds of suicide attempts every 24 hours. Yesterday, was World Suicide Prevention Day and the theme this year is ‘Take a minute, change a life’. About 75% of people who attempt suicide give some kind of warning of their intention to a friend or family member.
They often describe how, before going through with a suicide attempt, they were looking for a sign that someone cares, that the world is not blind to their pain.
Some explain how they had made a pact with themselves that if anyone reached out to them, asked them if they were ok, they would confide in them, in some way hoping someone would intervene, would stop them, would care enough to notice they’re not okay.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) runs the only Suicide Crisis Helplines in the country on 0800 567 567. Operations director Cassey Chambers says: “This World Suicide Prevention Day, we’d like for all South Africans to know that they can make a difference in someone else’s life simply by taking a minute to check in with them.”
You don’t have to be a mental health professional to reach out to people who may be thinking about suicide, those whose pain may feel too big to live with.
“Encouraging a person who may be thinking of taking their life to share what is going on inside of them, and then truly listening with compassion and genuine concern can be incredibly helpful for those who’ve lost hope.”
To help raise awareness around suicide prevention, this year Sadag will be sharing videos online by local celebrities who are taking a minute to reach out through messages of hope.
There were also awareness walks happening in Edenvale and Durban yesterday, which were open to anyone who wanted to join in
remembrance of a loved one lost to suicide.
Sadag is also hosting Facebook Friday online Q&A chats on Friday, September 15 on "Surviving Suicide" for those who have lost a loved one, as this can be devastating for those left behind.
Wherever you are, you can ask clinical psychologists your questions for free between 1pm and 2pm, and again from 7pm to 8pm.
Just go onto The South African Depression and Anxiety Group Facebook page, look out for the post that opens each chat, click ‘Comment’, and ask your question. For more details, call Sadag or visit www.sadag.org
If you or a loved one are seeking help, call 0800 567 567, or send an SMS to 31393 and a Sadag counsellor will call you back any time of the day, any day of the year.
Sadag provides free telephonic counselling, information, and nationwide referrals to support groups, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinics, and more.
Online resources such as brochures, articles, self-help tips and videos can be found at www.sadag.org
Phillips works for The South African Depression and Anxiety Group