ACT now, prevent teen suicide

South Africa – Teen Suicide Prevention Week runs from 16 to 23 February. 

South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is playing an active role during this period by educating friends, parents, family, loved ones, teachers and communities to help to prevent teen suicide. 

Adolescents make up the age group that has the most risk of committing suicide and such cases are often highlighted in various media platforms across South Africa. 

There is an urgent need for the country to continue sharing as much information about the prevention of teen suicide as possible. 

One teen suicide is one too many. #AskCareTreat (ACT) is a call to action. It encourages early intervention when a person experiences stress, depression and other emotions that may trigger suicidal thoughts. 

SADAG urges parents, teachers, friends and communities to detect early warning signs and prevent potential suicides by empowering everyone to know how to act. 

Ask 
Questions like “Are you experiencing suicidal thoughts?”, “have you ever thought of hurting yourself?” and “have you ever felt like you do not want to live anymore?” can provide support structures to young people. 

Care
Listening to teenagers expressing themselves while answering the above questions, without judging them, demonstrates that you care. 

Treat
Getting your child, friend or teen immediate assistance can be achieved by accompanying them to the nearest adult, a trusted teacher or mental health professional. 
Said clinical psychologist and SADAG board member Zamo Mbele: “Teen suicides are real. They rob many young people of a bright future. Let us speak about teen suicide today so that we may never have to in the future”. 

For more information, contact SADAG on 0800 567 567/0800 21 22 23 or sms 31393 for help.