''Change the Narrative'' by preventing suicide

With more than 700 000 cases of died by suicide reported globally, an urgent intervention is needed to address the major public health challenge.

Tuesday marks World Suicide Prevention Day and this day focuses on the issues, helping reduce stigmas and raise awareness amongst collaborative organizations to say that suicides are preventable. Each suicide has far-reaching social, emotional, and economic consequences, and deeply affects individuals and communities worldwide.

In South Africa, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is focusing specifically on the alarming rise in teen suicide rates in the country, aiming to create a lasting impact through education, intervention, and awareness programs. According to recent studies, suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15-24 in the country.

“Over the last year, SADAG has visited over a 100 schools in Gauteng and from our evaluation insights, 3 in 10 teachers report that learners in their school have died by suicide in the last year,’’ said Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG’s Project Manager for the School Outreach Programme.

"Teen suicide is an urgent public health issue in South Africa. We are seeing increasingly high numbers of adolescents suffering from depression, anxiety, family and relationship problems, and the pressures of modern life, all of which contribute to the alarming suicide statistics we face. Early intervention, especially through school-based programmes, is essential to saving lives," she added.

The triennial theme for World Suicide Prevention Day for 2024-2026 is "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" with the call to action "Start the Conversation".

This theme aims to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.

‘’Every conversation, no matter how small, contributes to a supportive and understanding society. By initiating these vital conversations, we can break down barriers, raise awareness, and create better cultures of support,’’ said the World Health Organisation.

 

Done By: Mitchum George