Teen Suicide Prevention Week

Today is the start of Teen Suicide Prevention Week, which runs from 11 to the 18th of February 2020.

 Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, said “The amount of suicide cases in South Africa is on the rise, particularly amongst the youth. My message at the start of Teen Suicide Prevention Week is that residents are able to access Psycho-Social Support from the Western Cape government. There is help available for you.”

 According to an article released by the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA), in 2017, it was estimated that “9,5% of all non-natural, teen deaths are a result of suicide. Additionally, hundreds of suicide attempts occur every 24 hours. Teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South Africa. Only car accidents and homicide kill more youth between the ages of 15 and 24.”

 This damaging nature of teenage suicide in South Africa can be tackled by ensuring that good support systems and meaningful psycho-social support is available for society’s youth.

 “The complexities of modern life seem to be exerting immense pressure on young individuals. There is a lack of positive role models, increased demands due to more materialistic values, and a lack of emotional security because of social and cultural change. It is the interplay of these social, cultural, political and economic factors that impact on the lives of adolescents living in South Africa and plays a role in development of possible suicidal tendencies,” says Minister Fernandez.

 The Department spends well-over a billion rand delivering psycho-social support and many more services to the most vulnerable people in society. DSD has trained professionals, who are more than willing to assist those who require psycho-social support during what may be a very difficult time.

 The public can access our services by visiting any of our regional or local offices closest to them, or by contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250.

 If anyone requires a social worker or any form of psycho-social support, please contact us on our hotline number on 0800 220 250.