SUICIDE PREVENTION: HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

It’s not easy to talk about suicide. It’s a painful and emotional subject. But discussing mental health issues and removing the stigma are the first steps to preventing suicide.

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According to the SA Medical and Education Foundation, 16,5 percent of South Africans suffer from common mental health problems. More alarming is the 800,000 people who die by suicide each year around the world.

World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September is aimed at raising awareness and spurring people to take action to prevent suicide. Cassey Chambers, operations director at the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), says untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. ‘Mental illness is a real illness that needs real treatment,’ she says. ‘It doesn’t go away overnight or disappear by itself.’

Related article: What is mental illness?

‘I’M A SUICIDE SURVIVOR’
Leigh Joy Mansell-Pleydell was 21 when she first attempted suicide. ‘After a childhood of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, I felt I didn’t want to be on this earth,’ she recalls, adding that she felt furious when doctors described her survival as ‘a miracle’. After several more brushes with suicide, she was admitted to a psychiatric ward. She says it was a profound experience. ‘Before then, I’d bought into what my adoptive parents had thought of me,’ she says. Leigh’s treatment brought about a fundamental change in the way she felt and thought about herself, allowing her to break free of depression and feelings of worthlessness.

REACH OUT TO THOSE WHO ARE STRUGGLING
The problem for many people suffering with mental illness is that they feel they cannot reach out for help. They might fear stigma or worry about being rejected, among other reasons. ‘The mantra “if you are struggling, reach out” is flawed,’ says journalist Odwa Nxumalo, who suffers from depression. ‘The world needs to reach out to those who are struggling. The signs may not be very obvious, but they are there if you truly pay attention.’

MORE MEN THAN WOMEN
The reluctance to ask for help might be one of the reasons that men are four times more likely than women to take their own lives – despite the fact that women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression, according to the Mayo Clinic.

This is borne out by Cassey’s observation that, of the 501,412 calls received by SADAG between March 2020 and February 2021 (as well as 101,387 on the organisation’s Suicide Helpline), the majority of the callers were female. Women are better at seeking help for themselves, and often call on behalf of their loved one, she says – but, she adds, male callers are often more acute or serious cases that need crisis intervention and support.

Related article: 5 Reasons therapy could be helpful

“Mental illness is a real illness that needs real treatment. It doesn’t go away overnight or disappear by itself.”

BOYS NEED TO EXPRESS EMOTIONS
This could be because boys are taught to suppress their emotions from a young age, often being told that crying is a sign of ‘weakness’, while girls are encouraged to talk about their emotions. It’s not surprising, then, that many men fail to communicate or express their feelings – especially negative ones – effectively. This means they are more likely to ‘self-medicate’ through heavy drinking, recreational drug use or other risky behaviour.

HELP IS AT HAND
It’s not just depression that puts people at risk of suicide. A history of mental illness, substance abuse, grief or loss, trauma, relationship or financial issues can also play a role. If you’re aware that a loved one is facing such challenges, watch for changes in appearance (a sudden lack of interest in how one looks), withdrawal and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, or changes in sleep patterns. ‘If you or someone you know feels that they are not coping, ask your local clinic or GP for help, or phone SADAG for free telephone help or referrals,’ Cassey advises.



Jet Club members also have access to counsellors through the Jet Club Personal Health Advisor benefit.

WHERE TO FIND HELP:
SADAG
Tel: 0800 456 789 (24-hour helpline)
WhatsApp: 31393
Email: info@anxiety


 JET CLUB HELPLINES
PERSONAL HEALTH ADVISOR
For free advice on mental health issues, Jet Club members can call our helpline.

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0800 00 45 45

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+2711 991 8258