Teen Suicide Prevention Week: Dr Kobus Roux shares signs of depression - which could lead to suicide

Teen Suicide Prevention Week: Dr Kobus Roux shares signs of depression - which could lead to suicide

It's Teen Suicide Prevention Week in South Africa. Psychiatrist Dr Kobus Roux joined Breakfast with Martin Bester to shed light to the subject.

Beating the Christmas blues: How to effectively deal with stress and depression
Getty Images

According to SADAG, in South Africa, 9% of all teen deaths are due to suicide – and this figure is on the increase. In the 15 to 24 age group, suicide is the second leading – and fastest-growing – cause of death. Children as young as 7 have committed suicide in South Africa. 

Every day, 22 people take their own lives. Suicide is on the increase and the question is... why?

READ: Breakfast with Martin Bester celebrates Kurt Darren's 50th birthday with brand new single!

"Teens are more stressed. There is a lot of pressure on teens," Roux says.

"When someone is depressed, they stop talking. They have no energy and it's a dark world.

"The most important thing for parents is to listen to their children." 

SIGNS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

  • If the teen mentions the idea of suicide
  • Depression
  • Change in behaviour

WATCH THE INTERVIEW BELOW:
EMERGENCY LINES: 

Dr Reddy's Help Line
0800 21 22 23

Cipla 24hr Mental Health Helpline
0800 456 789

Pharmadynamics Police &Trauma Line
0800 20 50 26

Adcock Ingram Depression and Anxiety Helpline
0800 70 80 90

ADHD Helpline
0800 55 44 33

Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line 24hr helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312

Suicide Crisis Line
0800 567 567

SADAG Mental Health Line
011 234 4837

Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit 24 Hour
0861 435 787

FOR MORE INFORMATION - CLICK HERE

Show's Stories