Suicide and our youth
A national health crisis
This week I once again read about not one but three separate suicide incidents online, all of these were young children and teens.
As a mom my heart is shattered!
Whilst suicide and mental health are not new topics, we are certainly seeing a bigger trend to children ending their lives.
What was once considered a taboo adult topic has reached a national health crisis level and currently affects an alarming number of teens and very young children, some as young as only 9 years old.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety group ( SADAG), suicide is the second leading cause of death in people age 15 – 25 in South Africa.
Even more alarming is that almost 20 – 25% of high school children have attempted suicide at least once. That’s approximately 1 in every 5 learners.
With the statistics rapidly rising we are currently seeing our children at the centre of a profound emotional and psychological wellness crisis in South Africa.
Why are so many children committing suicide?
The leading factors in most suicide cases are listed as :-
- Academic pressure
- Cyberbulling
- Bullying at school
- Family instability
- Trauma
- Economic hardship
- Untreated depression, anxiety and emotional distress
- Limited access to mental health care
However In most cases many of these issues overlap, causing a child to feel complete hopelessness and contemplate ending their young lives.
What parents can do
Youth suicide, according to The South African Federation for Mental Health “requires a systematic community-based approach” as this crisis is not an individual issue but rather a societal one.
As parents, we will never get it right all of the time nor will we have every correct answer, however we play a critical role in the prevention of suicide.
Children need to feel seen, heard and safe enough to speak honestly. Creating a safe space and allowing for communication and connection throughout the day is vital.
Knowing that often a child’s silence does not always mean they are fine, in many cases this could mean quite the opposite.
Warning signs that your child is thinking of suicide
Children do not wake up and choose suicide, more often than not there are warning signs.
Warning signs to look out for :-
- Withdrawal from friends or family
- Lack of interest in activities, sports or hobbies
- Talking about feeling hopeless, being a burden or feeling worthless
- Loss of interest in things they enjoy
- A change in sleep or eating patterns
- Trouble focusing
- Decline in school performance
Urgent warning signs
- Conversations about wanting to die , give up or commit suicide
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye
- Participating in risky behaviour
- Self harm
If your child is showing any of these signs, talk to them calmly, treat every concern seriously with no judgement and reach out to get professional help.
Where can you find help ?
If you or a young person you know is struggling or in crisis, immediate help is available:
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): Call the 24-hour toll-free helpline at 0800 567 567, or SMS 31393.
Cipla Mental Health Helpline: Available 24/7 at 0800 456 789.Childline South Africa: Call 0800 055 555 for free child and youth support.
Higher Health: Offers a 24-hour mental health crisis helpline specifically for students and the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector
Final thoughts
When children as young as 9 years old contemplate suicide, it’s time for us as a society to start addressing the topic as the crisis that it is.
To break the stigma attatched, open the conversations and supply the support.
One thing is evident, we need to not only identify the underlying causes but supply the support to our children, at home, at school and in society, to allow them the childhood they deserve. One where suicide is not a part of their solutions.
