Teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South Africa, and the Western Cape government is calling on all parents, teachers and guardians to be on the lookout for depression among teenagers.
This week marks Teen Suicide Prevention Week from 11 to 18 February.
In South Africa, 9% of all teen deaths are caused by suicide. The fastest growing age is young people under 35, and specifically female suicides which peak between 15 to 19 years.
According to the SA Suicide and Depression Group (Sadag), there is a major link between depression and suicide.
The group offers a National Toll Free Suicide Crisis Line, which takes a huge number of calls from teens calling for themselves or on behalf of a friend.
The line has already saved thousand of lives. Sadag programmes not only encourage teens to come forward, but also tells them where to go for help in their own community and how to contact the Suicide Line.
Lorraine Botha, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Health and Social Development, encourages teenagers to talk to a family member, local counsellors or organisations such as Sadag, to get assistance should they have suicidal thoughts.
Suicide Crisis Line 0800 567 567
