Preventable Loss

It was World Mental Health Day on 10 October. This was sobering for me today as I learned about a second death by suicide of a female teenager, the second female matriculant in the KZN Midlands region (that I am aware of).

Reading up on teen suicide, I learned that in South Africa, 9% of deaths of teens are caused by suicide. This is second only to car accidents.

Female suicides peak between 15 and 19 years of age. That's my daughter's age bracket. Maybe it's your daughter's age bracket too.

This is not only about girls, this impacts boys too. Boys are more likely to die from suicide as they tend to choose more violent and final methods. But more girls than boys actually attempt suicide.

My heart is sore. The preventable loss. The massive, unimaginable, tragic loss. I have taken some time to grieve, I will continue to pray. And now, I will turn my attention to my own teenagers and others I know and love and I will pay attention.

Let's pay attention. Let's really pay attention and lean in and love them. Suicide is preventable. This is in no way a judgment of anyone who has lost someone to suicide. It is an appeal to be alert and aware at this time of year especially. To be wise to kids around us who may be vulnerable to self-harm. To not shrug off any significant changes in behaviour or engagement with the world.

The South African Deperssion and Anxiety Group (SADAG) produced this brochure on suicide. Please read it.

Young people, we love you, we believe in you. We want you to stay.