An incident occured in our suburb last weekend which prompted me to write this post.
A resident was threatening to commit suicide. Luckily, someone had the presence of mind to call in the professionals, and a chaplain was able to talk to convince him/her not to go through with the act. The person required hospitalisation, but will be receiving the treatment he/she desperately needs,
Untreated depression is the number one cause for suicide.
Sadly it is at this time of year where suicides are more prevalent. Christmas is approaching, and so is the financial burden that goes with it. Whilst not all cases are finance related, some people are lonely and will go to any means necessary not to spend the festive season alone.
According to the International Association for Suicide Prevention, the top five negative life experiences that may cause depression are as follows:
* The death of a loved one
* Divorce, separation or break up from a spouse/life partner
* Serious/terminal illness
* Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual)
* Alcohol and drug abuse
Statistics
There are 23 suicides per day in South Africa.
230 attempted suicides per day.
One million people commit suicide annually.
This figure is expected to increase to 1.53 million by 2020.
One in five people suffer from some form of mental illness.
South Africa is ranked 8th highest in the world for suicide.
Having been personally affected by suicide (my dad took his life when I was three years old), I feel passionately about the subject. I also get angry when it is considered an "embarrrasment", and then a secret. There is nothing to be ashamed of! The fact that suicide is one of those topics that doesn't get much airplay is partly the reason the statistics are so high.
People suffer from depression. Sometimes it may seem like there is no solution to the problem. Maybe he/she hasn't considered asking for help.
One thing I do know is not enough awareness surrounds suicide. World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated annually on the 10th of September. Lifeline encourages people with suicidal thoughts to contact them through their various communication channels. But what about a day-to-day basis?
Shouldn't this be something that is taught in schools? During Guidance lessons, or life orientation perhaps? Likewise for adults - shouldn't the Human Resources manager promote therapy to staff and make the info readily available?
Yes, I realise people live with many of their own problems and a highly visible suicide prevention demonstartion may take their happiness meter down a notch or two, but unfortunately that is life and we need to deal with these hurdles. Instead of burying our heads in the sand, we need to confront the situation. This way we can help people in time.
According to a report prepared by The University of Cape Town, the following are warning signs of suicide:
* Talking or joking about suicide
* Self criticization or minimization
* Changes in personality
* Loss of interest in appearance/hygiene
* Risk taking dangerous behavior
* Excessive feelings of guilt
If you suspect a colleague/friend/family member may be depressed, don't ignore your gut feel. Approach them, maybe that person is counting on someone to rescue them. What kind of people would we be to ignore our fellow man's suffering? The South African Depression and Anxiety Group has the following tips:
Be direct.
Talk openly and matter of factly about suicide.
Be willing to listen.
Allow expression of feelings.
Accept these feelings.
Imagine reaching such a low point in your life where you truly believe you are responsible for everything that has gone wrong and there is no solution. No way out.
But there is. There is always a solution to every problem. The key is to seek help.
I (my two half sisters, their mom, and my own mom) miss my dad terribly. There s not one day that goes by where he doesn't cross our minds. Or a special occasion where we think "We wish our dad was here". Yes, he is missing out on some really great stuff, and the fact that we he won't be able to give his three daughters away at their weddings, or watch his grandchildren grow up, is sad. These are the consequences of his actions that we all have to deal with. My dad was depressed. He'd been a Sergeant Major in the South African Army, and had not had an easy childhood. But he was too proud to seek help. And this was his biggest mistake.
Prevent the action before it happens. Seek help.
Contacts and references
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group - www.sadag.org.za
Lifeline - www.lifeline.org.za
International Association for Suicide Prevention - www.iasp.info
Suicide Prevention, Awareness & Support - www.suicide.org.
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