suicide
20 December 2007
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health is to dedicate psychologists in order
to provide counselling services to young people who get stressed as they
receive their results. This service will be open to all learners, parents and
educators during official office hours on a Toll-Free number 0800 005 133.
The Department is concerned that there has been an increase in attempted and
successful suicides by learners. Reports are suggesting that this is likely to
increase in the next few months. The extended public sector strike may have
also resulted in learners being put under immense pressure for
examinations.
Suicide (i.e., taking one's own life) is a serious public health problem
that affects young people. "About one third of the reported cases of suicidal
behaviour in South Africa involve children and adolescents. Statistics reveal a
grave situation, with estimates of up to 9,5% of unnatural deaths of children
and adolescents in South Africa being the result of suicidal behaviour. Recent
hospital-based research indicates that a quarter or more of the patients who
were admitted because of their suicidal behaviour were black youths aged 18
years or younger" (Schlebusch L: Suicidal Behaviour in South Africa).
This programme will create awareness of suicide amongst the general
population. Parents, educators and learners will be educated regarding early
recognition of the signs and symptoms suggestive of a distressed teenager who
is potentially at risk for suicide. In addition, it will provide a support
system for the counselling and support of learners, educators and parents
alike.
We urge all young people who find themselves stressed to make use of this
service.
A psychologist will be available to help learners deal with stress during
office hours on the toll-free number, 0800 005 133.
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 285 0567
Issued by: Department of Health, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
20 December 2007
Source: KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government (http://www.kwazulunatal.gov.za)
