World Suicide Prevention Day 2019: Causes and prevention of suicide
Suicide survivor and the founder of ‘Ungazibulali Depression Support Group’, Nkululeko Khanyi, gets real about the causes of suicide and what you can do to get help.
Association for Suicide Prevention, suicide is among the top 20 leading causes of death globally for people of all ages. It is reported that every 40 seconds, someone commits suicide.
“Several issues contribute to people feeling suicidal and deciding to end their lives. This can range from anger, financial issues, depression and feeling like a failure,” says Nkululeko, who is also a suicide survivor.
“Because of the state of our country, a lot of people are under financial constraint. That could lead to people feeling depressed and suicidal,” he says.
“Another major cause of depression is when someone feels like a failure, because of trying something and it didn’t work. Also, lack of moral support from society, family, church, friends, and colleagues, about issues people face can lead to them feeling suicidal,” says the suicide ambassador.
Nkululeko, however, says no problem is worth taking one’s life. He says suicide can be prevented.
“Cry, talk, and consult professional counsellors,” says Nkululeko.
“Men are taught to bottle their feelings inside and never cry when facing challenges, but this kills most men. It is important to cry and talk about issues that are affecting you,” says Nkululeko.
After all, it is said that “a problem shared is a problem halved”.
READ: Suicide survivor on a mission to end suicides
Nkululeko says professional help is also key in addressing issues that are troubling you.
“Professional counsellors are trained to help a person best deal with depression, and they will help,” says Nkululeko.
He adds that one of the national challenges is the rate at which school kids and students are taking their own lives.
“We have been losing a lot of kids lately, in the schools, in the country. It is something that needs to be addressed,” says Nkululeko.
“Campaigns and awareness must be done frequently in schools and not just when there is an incident. It must be something that is there regularly in all schools and tertiary institutions, in all districts and provinces,” says Nkululeko.
He says the government must support campaigners who run initiatives like this.
If you need help, please contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Organisation.
READ: Dealing with suicide – expert advice