Join the walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention
World Suicide Prevention Day is on Sunday, September 10, and locals are encouraged to support a Suicide Awareness Walk in Edenvale.
Registration starts at 7.30am and the walk will begin at 8am, from the Edenvale Sports Club, 17th Avenue, J P Bezuidenhout Park, Edenvale.
The entry is a donation of R30 and participants should wear yellow to show support for the cause.
- Statistics
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), there are 23 completed suicides in South Africa every day.
For every suicide, there are 20 attempted suicides, and this number could be higher as suicide is still very under-reported.
“Seventy-five per cent of people who attempt suicide give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Therefore, it is vital for loved ones to know the warning signs and symptoms of suicide,” said clinical psychologist and Sadag board member Zamo Mbele.
Psychologist Gregory Eccles believes many people don’t know how to respond to suicide, attempted suicide and ideation (the feeling of wanting to commit suicide).
“Some might frame suicide attempts as ‘selfish acts’, accusing the individual of not caring for those around them.
“Suicidal ideation is often brushed off, painted as someone being over-dramatic or dismissed as an empty threat. The truth is that suicidal people are scared to face it head on – mortality can be a frightening concept!” Eccles said.
- Get help
If you or a loved one are seeking help, Sadag provides free telephonic counselling, information and nationwide referrals to support groups, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinics and more.
Online resources, such as brochures, articles, self-help tips and videos can be found at www.sadag.org
The Sadag toll-free helpline (0800 70 80 90) and SMS line (31393) are open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm.
