23 lives lost daily
RUIMSIG — South Africans are in a state of depression with more people choosing to end their lives.
Suicide in South Africa has risen to a shocking rate with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reporting that 23 citizens commit suicide every day.
Mental Health Awareness Month in July puts the spotlight on issues, including depression, anxiety, and stress disorders, which can all have devastating impacts if not treated.
According to SADAG, one in three people have a mental illness and yet 80 per cent of those do not get treatment. A lot of people fail to seek professional help because of the stigmas that are attached to having a mental illness, and where sufferers are often told to ‘get over it’.
“South Africa’s suicide rate is extremely high and needs to be addressed. There are more suicides in South Africa each year than in the US and UK,” said the group’s operations director, Cassey Chambers.
Stress, high levels of unemployment, poverty and crime in the country are a few of the triggers that lead to the onset of suicide. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between 10 and 14 years old.
Psychologist in Ruimsig, Mari Lautenbach added that the leading cause of death among teenagers is suicide.
“Teen suicide is a very real issue today. It is important to recognise the fact that it is also on the rise. In order to prevent teen suicide, it is vital to recognise what leads to it and treat the causes. Teenage suicide is not caused by one factor but likely a combination of them. Depression can play a massive role in teenage suicide.”
Details: SADAG 080 070 8090.
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