Watch for suicide red flags
The festive season can also spark feelings of intense loneliness for people who are not part of a family or support group
A SPATE of suicides have rocked Meerensee over the past few months, leaving bereaved families with many unanswered questions and deep emotional scars.
Another incident in Alton this week raised the red flag.
Suicide is regarded as a private matter and usually not reported in the Zululand Observer.
However, in view of the fact that the country has one of the highest suicide rates in the world, especially this time of year, family and loved ones should be vigilant for any signs that a person is contemplating taking his or her own life.
With matric results looming, the risk of young adults choosing such a drastic way out increases, because failing exams can be devastating to such a degree that the student sees no hope for the future.
The festive season can also spark feelings of intense loneliness for people who are not part of a family or support group.
Financial hardship becomes more pronounced when others are buying expensive gifts, having parties and going on holiday.
According to the NGO, Suicide.org, the number one reason for suicide is untreated depression, mostly caused by hurtful experiences in life.
These include:
• The death of a loved one
• A divorce, separation, or breakup of a relationship
• Losing custody of children, or feeling that a child custody decision is not fair
• A serious loss, such as a loss of a job, house or money
• A serious or terminal illness
• A serious accident
• Chronic physical pain
• Intense emotional pain
• Loss of hope
• Being victimized (domestic violence, rape, assault and others)
• A loved one being victimized (child murder, child molestation, kidnapping, murder, rape, assault)
• Physical abuse
• Verbal abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Unresolved abuse (of any kind) from the past
• Feeling ‘trapped’ in a situation perceived as negative
• Serious legal problems, such as criminal prosecution or incarceration
• The inability to deal with a ‘humiliating’ situation or failure
• Addiction
• Bullying. (Adults, as well as children, can be bullied)
• Low self-esteem
Signs of suicidal thoughts should not be ignored
• Talking or joking about dying, writing morbid stories or poems
• Identifying with heroes or famous people who committed suicide
• Identifying with sad stories and music
• Reckless behaviour or a lot of accidents that result in injury
• Giving away possessions
• Saying goodbye to family and friends as if it’s for the last time
• Seeking out or researching means to kill themselves
• Getting into trouble with authority figures, fighting with friends and family
• Change in peer group
• Substance abuse
Who to call?
Reach out for help to a trusted relative or the social worker at your place of work or study.
Contact LifeLine Zululand on 035 7897788.
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