Background
Today kick starts the first day of Teen Suicide Prevention Week.
“Teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South Africa. In fact only car accidents and homicide kill more youth between the ages of 15 and 24. In South Africa 9% of all teen deaths are caused by suicide. The fastest growing age is young people under 35, specifically female suicides which peak between 15 to 19 years!”
“There is a major link between Depression and Suicide. Most of the time teen depression is a passing mood. Sadness, loneliness, grief and disappointments we all feel at times, and are normal reactions to life’s struggles. However undiagnosed depression can lead to tragedy. Up to one third of all suicide victims had attempted suicide previously.”
“Said Zane Wilson, Founder of SADAG “It is not hard to see why serious depression and suicide are connected. Depression involves a long lasting sad mood that doesn’t let up and a loss of pleasure in things you once enjoyed. It Involves thoughts about death, negative thoughts about oneself, a sense of worthlessness. We get calls ranging from a teen girl of 15 who has been constantly abused by her stepfather, a boy who has lost his elder brother due to gang violence and a child of 12 whose mother has recently died of AIDS, sometimes they feel there is nothing to look forward to or that life would be less painful if they were to end it.” However, Depression is treatable! There is help and we show them all their options. With treatment over 70% can make a recovery.”
Teen Suicide Prevention Toolkit
“▪ Identify the warning signs of Teen Suicide and get guidance on how to help a loved one or friend by taking a look at this brochure.
▪ To learn more about how to help a friend or family member. Click here.
▪ Wondering what is feels like to be Suicidal? Learn more.
▪ Click here to watch some educational video’s about Suicide Prevention.
▪ Do you have to have a Mental Illness to be Suicidal? Read more here.
▪ Looking for help? Worried about a friend, family member or loved one? Click here.
Please share this toolkit with friends, family, your community and even via social media – help us reach more people and prevent suicides.”
How to get Help
Join SADAG’s Free Facebook Q&A
