The Department of Basic Education has joined the world in marking Teen Suicide Prevention Week. It is a time devoted to recognizing and understanding the impact of suicide on young people and raising awareness about the critical issue of suicide.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has noted a marked and noticeable increase in the number of adolescents struggling with mental health issues often leading to tragic outcomes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that suicide rates are estimated at 9% per 100 000 population amongst 15–19-year-olds in South Africa.
Recognizing the urgency of this issue, the Department of Basic Education continues to work with sister departments and partners (such as SADAG) to raise awareness, provide material as well as access to care and support for learners at risk of depression and suicide. At its heart Teen Suicide Prevention week is aimed at facilitating an understanding of how to identify warning signs of suicide in young people, reducing stigma, raising awareness, and encouraging help seeking behaviour among young people.
‘’Fostering open conversations about suicide can help early identification of suicide warning signs, break down barriers (stigma and stereotypes) and empower young people to talk about their challenges and seek help, said Sibongile Monareng, Director of Psychosocial Support in the Department of Basic Education. ‘’It is important to support young people and provide them with information about where they can find support”, Monareng concluded. Commemorating Teen Suicide Prevention Week provides the nation and indeed the sector an opportunity to place greater emphasis on the importance of mental wellbeing while highlighting the importance of embracing the societal nature of education.
This Teen Suicide Prevention Week offers a lifeline to those in need and serves as a poignant reminder that suicide is preventable.
