SADAG would like to extend our sincerest condolences to the families that were affected by the tragic events at the Tsakane Secondary School. The issues that the school is currently experiencing are also happening in so many of our schools nationally. This highlights the urgent need in our schools for more support, training and awareness especially on Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention.
SADAG has mobilised a team of 20+ SADAG School Outreach Counsellors to provide support, containment and Trauma debriefing to the learners and teachers who have been impacted by the recent unfortunate events at the school tomorrow, Thursday 24 August. This is the initial support and crisis intervention, as this school requires a collaborative approach from a multiple disciplinary team to provide long term support and sustainable interventions.
Some of the key focus areas that need to be prioritized includes teacher trainings, workshops for parents and local community stakeholder engagement to fully support the learners. SADAG has also reached out directly to the National Department of Education and District officials, and will coordinate further discussions to develop an action plan of ongoing support.
According to the World Health Organization, Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds. Undiagnosed and untreated Depression is the leading cause of Suicide. The most at-risk age group for Suicide in South Africa are our adolescents (13 – 19 years old) which falls within the Grade 8-12 learners that is being reported in the press. The tragic reality is that we are seeing an increase in press articles about teen Suicides however we should be mindful that there are many more cases that aren’t reported. These reports highlight the need for further prevention programmes and support services like SADAG’s ‘Suicide Shouldn’t be a Secret’ initiative and many other key programmes that provide for many South African teens, particularly where resources are few and not easily accessible. SADAG currently receives 2500- 3000 calls daily from people from across the country, from all backgrounds, of all ages, races and genders. In addition, 1 in 4 calls are Suicide related.
SADAG’s Operations Director, Cassey Chambers says, “Talking about Depression and Suicide can save a life. Take every mention, threat and attempt of Suicide seriously. People who have attempted Suicide before, if left untreated and unmanaged, are at a significant greater risk of attempting or completing a Suicide. Asking direct questions like ‘Are you okay? Do you have thoughts of ending your life?’ or ‘I am worried about you, is everything okay? Can we talk’ can start a conversation that allows a teen in crisis to open and share what they are feeling.”
We would like to encourage parents, caregivers or friends to be aware of the warning signs and support their loved ones by getting help as soon as possible. You can reach out to a Mental Health professional such as a Psychiatrist, Psychologist, Social Worker, local Clinic, Trauma Counsellor or contact SADAG’s Suicide Crisis Helpline 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789 (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) where SADAG counsellors can help with nationwide referrals, resources, crisis intervention and support. For additional resources visit our website www.sadag.org . The most important thing is to get help as soon as possible!
“Even one Teen Suicide, is one too many!”
