Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, despite it being preventable.
Among South African university students, nearly half (46.4%) mentioned having thoughts about suicide, while over a quarter (26.5%) reported planning their suicide and 8.6% reported attempting suicide. Students who identified as women, Black, second-generation university students, and not heterosexual were more likely than their peers to report non-fatal suicidal behaviours. We need systematic interventions which target these specific groups whom we know are more at risk.
Teen Suicide Prevention Week takes place annually in South Africa. This year it runs from 11 February 2024 – 18 February 2024.
We need a systemic, community-based and intersectoral approach to prevent teen suicide” says Leon de Beer, Deputy Director of the South African Federation for Mental Health. “This will help to challenge the myth that suicide is a young person’s choice and acknowledges the role of systematic factors like the lack of access to quality mental health services play in suicide.”
Our new Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan specifically calls on District Mental Health Teams to embed suicide prevention in treatment at primary care level, through identification of risk factors for suicide in all health service provision.
The policy also highlights the following key actions are needed to prevent suicide:
- Reducing access to means of self-harm and providing early interventions for those at risk.
- Strengthening care, treatment and rehabilitation for people who have made suicide attempts.
- Providing general public information about mental health and suicide prevention
Teen Suicide Prevention Week takes place at the start of the academic year to encourage conversation among and provide support to parents, teachers, and learners.
We can all work together to prevent suicide.
Students – find a dedicated hotline or sign up for a support group
Educators – see how to talk to students about suicide prevention
Parents – see how to talk to your child or teen about suicide prevention
Media & Comms Professionals – see how to responsibly report on suicide
Everyone – learn how to create a Suicide Safety Plan and identify warning signs
Help is available. The National Suicide Crisis Line is 0800 567 567. This number is free, operates 24/7 and offers counselling in all 11 official languages.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Michel’le Donnelly – Project Leader: Advocacy & Awareness
CELL: +27 (0)79 799 6533
EMAIL: michel’le@safmh.org
Notes to editors
SAFMH is a South African-based non-profit organisation. We believe access to quality mental health care is a human right and strive to make this happen through our advocacy. Are you interested in shifting attitudes towards mental health and mental health care? Please reach out if you are interested in covering more positive messaging around mental health and community-based mental health care in South Africa.
