Adolescent suicide can be prevented with early detection – Minister Mbombo | Western Cape Government

News

News

Adolescent suicide can be prevented with early detection – Minister Mbombo

11 September 2017

In the wake of World Suicide Prevention Day, observed annually on the 10th of September, Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo cautions communities to be more attuned and sensitive to the mental wellbeing of young people due to the strong link between poor mental health and suicide.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 – 29 – year - olds, with approximately 800,000 individuals dying as a result of suicide per year. 

“The increased levels of trauma, abuse and violence, has seen many young people seek security in gangsterism, alcohol and illegal substances. They become reclusive, displaying aggressive and reckless behaviour; showing an increase in suicidal and self–harm tendencies,” says Mbombo. 

The Western Cape Mental Health Review Board, who considers and reviews all admissions of mental health care users under the Mental Health Care Act, noted a significant increase in mental health admissions since 2015 under the Mental Health Care Act for minors (persons under the age of 18 years), presenting with suicidal behaviour. “In the past year, 30% of the minors who were admitted under the Mental Health Care Act were recorded as a serious risk to themselves, either due to self-harm behaviours, suicide attempts or suicidal thoughts and intentions.

“The other significant precipitant for adolescent presentations of mental health symptoms is substance abuse and use. This frequently leads to self-harm and other impulsive, high-risk behaviours,” says Dr Rene Nassen, Head of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service at Lentegeur Hospital.

Nassen explains that psychiatric and psychological factors such as the presence of mental illnesses, such as depression, anxiety, drug and alcohol may precipitate suicidal behaviour among adolescents. Other factors, such as adverse life events and distress caused by family, physical or sexual abuse, as well as bullying, also may precipitate  suicidal behaviour. More recently, cyber-bullying has also been noted as a contributing factor to similar behaviour,” says Nassen.

She explains that adolescent suicidal tendencies are also arising in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) adolescent groups, due to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia. 

Echoing these sentiments Sonja Pasche explains that self–harm, for instance scratching, burning or cutting, is more common in adolescent females. While completed suicide is more common in adolescent men. “Overall, females who complete suicide tend to use methods such as self-poisoning, compared to men, who more often use violent methods such as hanging or use of a firearm,” she explains. 

Pasche warns that youth who are contemplating suicide frequently give warning signs of their distress. “Parents, teachers, and friends are in a key position to pick up on these signs and get help. If you notice that your loved one is expressing suicidal ideas, threatens suicide or self–harms – seek assistance immediately. A telling sign when young people are suicidal is that they often become withdrawn or isolate themselves from family or friends, and exhibit a depressed mood, agitation or anxiety,” says Pasche.

Nassen stresses that when noticing these trends family or friends are encouraged to seek medical assistance at a general practitioner (GP), local clinic or district hospital. “Ensure that there is supervision and an adult to accompany the young person – never leave the young person alone. Every suicide gesture, attempt or ideation should be taken seriously as it may be lethal, even if the intention was not to die.

“Young people with suicidal behaviour can undergo a psychiatric assessment at a community clinic or district hospital, where mental health services are available. Young people who present with mental illnesses and suicidal behaviours may be referred via their local district hospital or community clinic for further assessment and therapeutic intervention to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) services in the Metro. Hospitalisation in some situations may be warranted.. 

Mbombo says that communities play a critical role in suicide prevention. “Communities can provide social support to vulnerable individuals and engage in follow-up care, fight stigma and support those bereaved by suicide. Stigma attached to mental disorders and suicide means that many people may feel unable to seek help. Let us change this and encourage public dialogue, as suicide can affect us all,” concludes Mbombo. 

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or displaying suicidal behavior, please contact The South African Depression and Anxiety Group via 0800 12 13 14 (24hr Helpline), 0800 567 567 (suicidal emergencies) or send an SMS 31393 (someone will call you back).

Media Enquiries: 
 
Bianca Carls
Communications Officer
CD: General Specialist and Emergency Services 
Western Cape Government Health
 
Landline: 021 815 8710
Mobile: 083 644 3383
Address: 4th Floor, Bellville Health Park, Cnr Frans Conradie Drive & Mike Pienaar Boulevard, Bellville, 7530.