Statistics from the Department of Health have sparked increasing concern over the number of reported teen suicides and attempted suicides amongst adolescents, Cape {town} Etc reports.
ENCA has reported that statistics revealed that 7426 children were treated for suicide attempts in South Africa between April and December of 2024.
When asked what the statistics look like at schools, Sibongile Monareng, the director of psychosocial support at the Department of Basic Education answered that the attempts of learners to commit suicide on school grounds has become a serious problem.
She further stated that the Department is permitted to use schools as vehicles for the provision of access to different health services.
Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, a representative from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group also addressed the matter.
She commented that parents often overlook the issues their children face and claimed it was a ‘sad reality.’
She elaborated stating that these attempts are ultimately how kids ask for support, which is not as readily available as it used to be, especially in the face of mounting pressures.
Parbhoo-Seetha further listed some of the main issues faced by the youth, such as academic pressure, financial problems, the loss of a loved one and family issues.
The problems of some learners are multifaceted as they are forced to deal with numerous issues from the list above.
Monareng further stated that the department has processes in place to assist teachers with identifying children who may have psychosocial support needs and that there is guidance in that regard.
With Teen Suicide Prevention Week set to take place between 21 – 28 February, attention has been drawn to suicide warning signs. These signs have been described as ‘crucial and potentially life-saving.’
Signs include mood swings ranging from feelings of irritability, anger, anxiety, frustration to feelings of numbness.
Other signs include an adolescent repetitively stating that they have no purpose and that their pain won’t go away.
Lastly, loved ones are tasked with observing the behaviour of the youth, for example, noting the increased use of alcohol or drugs and their tendency to withdraw from activities and self-isolate.
Zane Wilson, the founder of SADAG said ‘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.’
Wilson however reminds the youth that depression is treatable!
‘There is help and we show them all their options. With treatment over 70% can make a recovery.’
Teen suicide helpline: 0800567567
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