Teenage suicide is becoming more common in South Africa. Nationally, 9% of all teen deaths are caused by suicide.
Teen Suicide Prevention Week is observed from Wednesday, 21 February, to 28 February to inform parents, caretakers, teachers, and teenagers of the contributing factors and warnings signs.
A total of 20% of high schoolers have attempted suicide in the past ten years. This is according to the Psychiatry Management Group.
Research has indicated that although more females attempt suicide, more males succeed due to the more violent methods selected.
Teenagers become more vulnerable to factors such as peer pressure, cultural messages, technology, social media and addictions.
Even though teenagers can distinguish between right and wrong at this point in their lives, they are faced with a crisis of identity and confusion according to their psycho-social development stage.
This is according to Kathleen Berger in the book The developing person through childhood and adolescence(6th edition, Worth Publishers, New York).
Contributing factors
- Mental health disorders such as depression;
- alcohol and drugs;
- being a victim of bullying or abuse;
- self-harm;
- having a history of trauma;
- struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity (or not being accepted because of it); and
- having a family history of suicide.
Warning signs
- Talking or joking about suicide;
- preparing for death;
- personality changes;
- failing to maintain appearance and hygiene;
- risk-taking behavior; and
- writing poems or essays about death.
What can parents do?
If you are concerned about your teen’s mental health, open up the conversation with your teenager. Ask them questions and regularly just check in with them.
Always remember to be empathetic and show no judgment, lead with love and concern instead. Also:
- Take your child seriously.
- Make sure your teenager understands and knows that it is okay to talk about their feelings and mental health.
- Always make sure that your home is a safe place. In addition, make sure your children have no access to guns or other weapons in the home.
- Dispose of any unused and expired medication.
Where to get help, and how
Never hesitate to seek professional help.
Talking, or therapy sessions with a psychologist, social worker, or counsellor can help the teenager to understand more about why he or she feels depressed. Ways to cope will be discussed.
Simply talking about one’s feelings can make one feel better.
There are various avenues to follow:
- Call the suicide crisis helpline on 080-576-567;
- call Families South Africa (Famsa) for assistance on 053-723-1564;
- dial the toll-free number 0800-014-520;
- send a Whatsapp message to 082-727-8810;
- send an email to hope@famsaupt.co.za; or
- visit famsaupt.co.za or Famsa Upington on Facebook.
Compiled by Shanaaz Walters, social worker, Famsa Upington.
