As September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is urging people to break the silence and start conversations that could save lives. According to Sadag, an estimated 23 people die by suicide and another 460 attempt suicide every day in South Africa. This alarming statistic highlights the need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues.
Lydell Raju, a 33-year-old nurse from Shallcross, shares her personal story of struggle and survival. She experienced suicidal thoughts from a young age, first attempting suicide at 15 after drinking a bottle of flu syrup. Raju's journey has been marked by multiple attempts, including taking her mother's pain tablets and a cocktail of medication. Her experiences have taught her the importance of open communication and seeking help.
A 28-year-old man from Durban, who wished to remain anonymous, also shared his story of struggling with suicidal thoughts. As a gay young man, he faced challenges navigating his identity in an environment where being different was not always easy. He attempted to end his life at 16 and 19 by consuming medication used to treat chronic illnesses. His recovery has been a combination of learning about himself, accepting that he needed help, and allowing others into his life.
Both Raju and the 28-year-old man emphasized the importance of creating an environment of open communication and seeking help. They highlighted that people with mental health issues are often classed as being "attention seekers" and that fear of judgment and rejection can prevent individuals from reaching out for support. Their stories demonstrate the need for increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
Cassey Chambers, Sadag's operations director, stressed the importance of understanding and responding to the pain underneath the crisis. She noted that the leading cause of suicide is undiagnosed or untreated depression and that prevention is about creating opportunities for people to get help earlier. Chambers emphasized that suicide prevention has to be about more than responding to a point of crisis.
Chambers also highlighted the warning signs of suicidal behavior, including suddenly withdrawing from family and friends, losing interest in things they normally enjoy, and showing a significant change in their mood, sleeping patterns, or eating habits. She encouraged people to listen without immediately judging, lecturing, or trying to fix things when someone says they are not okay.
The stories shared by Raju and the 28-year-old man serve as a reminder that recovery is possible and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Their experiences highlight the need for increased awareness and support for mental health issues, particularly among young people. By sharing their stories, they hope to encourage others to speak out and seek help.
Key points
- An estimated 23 people die by suicide and another 460 attempt suicide every day in South Africa.
- The leading cause of suicide is undiagnosed or untreated depression.
- Creating an environment of open communication and seeking help is crucial for preventing suicidal behavior.
