World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated on Friday September 10, to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicide.
According to Netcare Akeso, awareness can create hope for the prevention of suicide, which the World Health Organization (WHO), estimates claims more than 700 000 lives globally each year.
According to a press release by Netcare Akeso, South Africa’s suicide rate for 2019 has been estimated at 23.5 suicides per 100 000 people, of which more than three-quarters were male. Although these are the most recent official statistics, former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize revealed in 2020 that there had been 1 781 suicide related deaths in South Africa over a four month period, between 27 March and 27 July 2020.
“The sad fact is that for every completed suicide, there are many more attempts which often go unreported or undocumented. For each suicide, there are believed to be at least 20 attempted suicides,” says Megan Hosking, psychiatric intake clinician at Netcare Akeso mental health facilities.
She says this year’s theme for World Suicide Prevention Day, addresses one of the myths surrounding suicide, which is that talking about suicide may encourage people to act on it.
The theme ‘Creating hope through action’ emphasises that suicide should not be treated as a taboo subject.
“While not every tragic death from self-harm can be stopped, it may be possible to reach more people who can only see one way out, before it is too late, if our society is more informed. Creating a deeper understanding of suicide through raising awareness thereof amongst the public could help more people to reach out and talk to others for help before that last resort,” explains Ms Hosking.
She further details how suicide is complicated and often misunderstood, and how for a suicidal person, the situation will feel hopeless and often confusing.
“Those close to them are often left with many questions, such as seeking a ‘reason’ for the person’s suicide or attempted suicide, or wondering if they could have prevented the person from taking their own life. It is particularly distressing to lose someone in this way but there are no simple answers when it comes to suicide.”
When a person is suicidal, it should be remembered that their sole thought is often to end the pain or suffering they are experiencing. “They may feel there is no other way out of their struggle, even if they have conflicting feelings about death. This may be as a result of mental health difficulties, adjustment to new medication, emotional struggles, financial difficulties, a feeling of hopelessness, experiences of loss, or other challenges that feel overwhelming to them,” she says.
“You are not alone, and there is always another way,” says Ms Hosking.
“If you are feeling suicidal or having thoughts of harming yourself, or you need advice for assisting a loved one who you are concerned may be suicidal, Netcare Akeso offers a 24-hour helpline on 0861 435 787, where our trained counsellors will listen to what you are experiencing without judgement, and can guide you on the various options for assistance, and offer support when you when you feel alone.”
