South Africa observes Teenage Suicide Prevention Week from 11- 18 February 2024 and a few health organisations are raising awareness around mental health challenges particularly faced by teenagers.
According to the Teddy Bear Foundation’s Clinical Director, Shaheda Omar, they know of incidents from learners who are younger than 13 years, that commit suicide. She said that since the release of the 2023 matric results, numerous learners have been suffering from mental health challenges. She also mentioned that it is crucial for teachers, family and friends to be on the lookout for possible suicidal signs in their children’s behavioral patterns and that feeling misunderstood as a child, might lead to suicide.
“Not all suicidal signs are visible to the naked eye, but what parents and other people around the child should lookout for is if there are changes in their personality. Has the child withdrawn or isolates himself/herself from activities they used to engage in for joy and entertainment? They should pay attention to their sleeping and eating patterns too,” Omar said.
Alcohol and drugs are also a contributing factor to teenage suicide according to Omar. She urges parents to always make certain that they know whether or not their child is using any substances. She added that both parents and teachers have to be more sensitive and show empathy to what is happening around the child making reference to the death of 12-year-old, Sibusiso Mbatha from Khehlekile Primary School who died by suicide after a teacher allegedly mocked his sexuality.
During this week, the Teddy Bear Foundation will be hosting various conversations in schools to address teenage suicide.
SA Federation for Mental Health, Advocacy & Awareness Project Leader, Michel’le Donnelly said that suicide needs a lot of attention and interventions as it is the leading cause of death amongst young people. The federation’s stats indicate that half of all mental health conditions start at the age of 14.
Donelly says that teenagers who self-harm pose a huge chance of committing suicide. She encourages conversations about teenage suicide amongst parents, teachers and teenagers and added that teachers have the potential to assist in preventing and reducing the rate of teenage suicides.