by Genevieve Burrow, Ntombikayise Dolly Ndaba and Ashrene Rathilal [1] 

In South Africa, suicide is recognised as the third largest source of unnatural death, as well as having the eighth highest rate of suicide in the world, with approximately eight hundred thousand completed suicides annually (Gumede, 2020). The World Health Organisation (WHO) recognises suicide as a public health priority. As today marks World Suicide Prevention Day, it is imperative that we attain a greater understanding of the causes of this ever-growing epidemic.

Purpose of suicide prevention measures

The primary goal of suicide prevention efforts is to decrease the number of deaths caused by suicide (Klimes-Dougan, Lee, & Houri, 2012). Research has highlighted that seeking help is an optimal measure to accessing the necessary help. This requires the individual to be aware of the problem that they are facing and be willing to seek assistance (Klimes-Dougan, Lee, & Houri, 2012). Friends, family, and the community are important role-players in one’s life and can contribute to beliefs and attitude towards mental health and the prevention of suicide. Thus, is it crucial to change the negative attitudes towards help-seeking and destigmatise mental health and the need for mental healthcare to prevent suicide (Klimes-Dougan, Lee, & Houri, 2012).

Impact of COVID-19

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the incidence of mental illnesses has increased due to the overwhelming amount of stress and anxiety related to self-isolation, physical distancing and financial strain. Individuals with psychiatric disorders may encounter worsening symptoms and others might experience the development of new mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),  all associated with increased suicide risk (Gunnell, Appleby, Arensman, Hawton, John, Kapur & Chan, 2020).

Measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, such as the nationwide lockdown and social distancing, have led to drastic lifestyle changes which has further exacerbated stress for most students who have had to shift to new methods of learning and online learning. Youths and students are faced with decreased motivation and increased pressures and stressors during this time. Moreover, young people may find it difficult to deal with these new stressors and pre-existing stress from academics, peers and family (Grubic, Badovinac, & Johri, 2020). Pre-existing vulnerabilities to mental illness and other psychopathology are great contributors to suicidal behaviour and self-injury (Grubic, Badovinac, & Johri, 2020). Social networks play an influential role in the in mitigating or even contributing to the risk of suicide amongst young people since risk-taking behaviour amongst peers is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviours (Glenn, et al., 2019).

Attitudes towards suicide

Several studies have reported differences in attitudes about suicide and most findings show that males often use lethal means of suicide or suicide attempts than women  (Hamilton & Klimes-Dougan, 2015). Adolescents are generally reluctant to seek help when faced with stressors (Klimes-Dougan, Lee, & Houri, 2012). The masculine beliefs of self-reliance and endurance may contribute to males being reluctant to disclose their emotions, thoughts, and/or experiences. Whereas, females’ openness to  emotional expression allows them to be better able to cope through communicating with friends and family (Hamilton & Klimes-Dougan, 2015). 

Gender-based violence

The impact of gender-based violence (GBV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) on mental health is extensive, as research indicates that people who experience GBV are at a greater risk of mental health disorders and suicidal behaviour (Bryant, Carragher, Creamer, Forbes, McFarlane, Mills, Rees, Silove, Slade, Steel & Teesson, 2014). During the COVID-19 lockdown period, President Cyril Ramaphosa called the surge of GBV South Africa’s ‘second pandemic’ (Ellis, 2020).

Women who have experienced GBV show a greater incidence of mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression, substance use disorders, and suicidal behaviour (Bryant et al., 2014). The surge of GBV, coupled with the potential onset of mental health disturbances, poses a mental health crisis.

Warning signs

While most suicidal youth keep the intentions of suicide a secret, those who do seek help are most likely to confide in peers than family members (Klimes-Dougan, Lee, & Houri, 2012). Therefore, it is important to know how to see signs of suicide, even in instances where the person might not have expressed their suicidal thoughts or intentions.

The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) informs us that some of the warning signs of suicide may include:

• Talking about suicide
• Fantasising about death
• Preparing for death – for example, saying goodbye to loved ones
• Drastic changes in personality
• Feelings of worthlessness which could contribute to suicidal thoughts or behaviours.

One of the attempts of preventing suicide is to reach out for assistance with mental healthcare (Klimes-Dougan, Lee, & Houri, 2012). Should you require assistance, please reach out and contact the following organisations:

1. South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Suicide Helpline) – 0800 567 567
2. Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0800 12 13 14
3. LifeLine – 0861 322 322
4. Akeso Psychiatric Response Unit – 0861 435 787
5. ChaiFM Helpline – 0800 4 24 36 

[1] Authors write in their capacity of members of the Student Division, a division of the Psychological Society of South Africa (PsySSA)