Teen Suicide Prevention Week 16 – 23 February 2014
Introduction
Research shows that suicide accounts for 9.5% of non-natural deaths in young people in South Africa. Anyone expressing suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. A large number of suicides go unreported and many suicides are not recognised as such. Depression carries a high risk of suicide. Young people often feel that they have nowhere to turn to.
Causes/precipitators of suicidal behavior
- Depression
- Family problems (unstable family live, violence, abuse)
- Physical or sexual trauma/abuse
- High stress levels
- Interpersonal relationship problems
- Risky behaviour e.g. substance abuse
- Poverty, unemployment
Characteristics of adolescents who make suicide attempts
- Medication overdose is the most common method used
- High incidence of family pathology and psychiatric disorders
- History of suicide/suicide attempts in the family
- Often impulsive
- Nearly always an immediate precipitant e.g. conflict with parents, breaking up with boy/girlfriend, disciplinary crisis at school
Warning signs
- Sudden behavioural changes, risk-taking behaviour
- Depression, feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of guilt, sense of failure
- Withdrawal
- Changes in eating/sleeping patterns
- Pre-occupation with death/dying
What to do
If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, seek immediate help from a health professional. Each suicide attempt requires thorough and professional evaluation and management.
Suicide crisis line: 0800 567 567 or sms 31393
Lifeline Western Cape: 021 461 1111
Contact us for more information:
Mental Health Information Centre of Southern Africa (MHIC)
PO Box 19063, Tygerberg, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)21 938-9229
Fax: +27 (0)21 931-4172
Email: mhic@sun.ac.za
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