Suicidal depression is more prevalent in South Africa than most people realize. A report by the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) found that there are 23 known suicides happening every day. This means about 8000 people lose their lives to suicide every year.
That staggering number makes one thing clear, we can’t afford to cross our arms and do nothing. We must all play a role in helping people overcome mental health struggles. We need to extend our hands to those in need and do everything we can to pull them out of suicidal depression.
Understanding Suicidal Depression in Teenagers and Children
Suicidal depression is an advanced stage of depression that’s accompanied by suicidal thoughts. It’s important to know that suicidal depression is not simply a phase or mood swing. It’s when people who are struggling with depression also have suicidal ideation.
Some people might feel depression without suicidal thoughts. And this can be regarded as “ordinary” depression or temporary sadness. The difference between suicidal depression and regular depression is that the mind wanders when faced with deep sadness, and how those thoughts can ripple outward, touching not only the individual but also those around them. This is especially true among teenagers, where one person’s struggle can have a profound effect on their peers, a reality we explore further in The Ripple Effect of Teenage Suicide on Other Teenagers.
How Does Depression Cause Suicidal Thoughts?
The line between depression and suicidal ideation is often a clear path that only timely intervention can block. Clinical depression becomes suicidal depression when someone loses all hope. That immense feeling of hopelessness is what sends most South Africans over the edge, which is why having access to the right information and support is so important. You can learn more and find resources at Angie.org.za.
What Causes Suicidal Depression in Teenagers and Children?
Suicidal depression is a major issue in South Africa. Every day, we lose about 20 people because of this crisis, a good number of whom were teenagers and children. If we don’t act fast, more South African kids will be lost.
There are some things every parent must know about teenage suicide. The causes of suicidal depression are one of those things. To help you understand this better, let’s look at what causes depression and suicidal thoughts:
- Family History and Genetics: Parents with a history of depression can pass this gene to their kids, who will then pass it to their own children. This creates a painful cycle that will require dedicated effort to break.
- Bullying: This can take place both in school and online. Learning to recognize the signs of cyberbullying is important in the fight against suicidal depression.
- Peer Pressure: There are different types of peer pressure, and each one affects the mental health of South African teenagers.
- Abuse and Trauma: Experiencing abuse and trauma can have long-lasting effects on teenage mental health.
- Academic Stress: Some teens feel deep anxiety every time they need to take a test or exam. This feeling can be exacerbated and lead to depression.
- Social Media Influence: External factors like social media can also affect the mental health of children and teenagers.
- Brain Chemical Imbalance: Imbalances in brain chemistry often fuel the symptoms of suicidal depression.
Recognizing the Signs of Suicidal Depression
Suicidal depression manifests in different ways. Being able to recognize it helps you to act early and save your loved ones. Creating mental health awareness makes people more aware of the signs of depression that they may be unintentionally ignoring.
Warning Signs of Suicide in Adolescents and Children
Early detection of suicidal depression can make a life-saving difference. If you notice any of these signs, then be sure to intervene quickly.
We’ll group the signs into the following categories:
Emotional Signs
- Sadness
- Hopelessness
- Worthlessness
- Extreme mood swings
Behavioral Signs
- Withdrawal
- Giving away belongings
- Difficulty concentrating
- Loss of interest in activities they once loved
Physical signs
- Trouble sleeping
- Changes in eating patterns (Loss of appetite or overeating)
- Fatigue
How to Help Someone With Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
Now that you know what suicidal depression is, what causes it, and the signs to look out for, it’s time to discuss the role you’ll be playing in saving your loved one.
Let’s take a look at how to help a depressed suicidal person:
Immediate Steps to Take
Remember that people only reach suicidal thoughts depression when they have lost all hope. With this in mind, your approach must be careful and considerate. Here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and listen actively
- Don’t dismiss their feelings
How to Talk to Someone Who Is Depressed and Suicidal
The words you choose matter when you’re talking to someone who is depressed and suicidal. You must learn to walk on eggshells and treat their emotions the way you would treat a newborn. At this stage, they are sensitive, so mind the language you use.
Keep it positive and encouraging. And avoid sounding judgmental because this might cause them to withdraw further into themselves. Ask direct but gentle questions if you suspect suicidal depression. Offer them a listening ear without judgment and be a shoulder to cry on if they need one.
We think this letter by 19-year-old Louisa will give you more insight into teens with suicidal thoughts. In it, Louisa documents her own struggles with suicidal depression while encouraging others to keep fighting.
How to Help Someone With Suicidal Depression
Figuring out the right way to help someone dealing with suicidal thoughts and depression can be tough. Everyone is different, so what works for one person might not work for the other. But we’ve compiled some surefire ways to help someone who is struggling.
- Encourage Professional Help: Professional therapy and counseling are some of the most important steps in addressing suicidal depression.
- Remove Means for Self-harm: Taking away potentially harmful objects is crucial for keeping suicidal people safe.
- Be Patient, not Forceful: Remember to act from a place of love. If they don’t open up immediately, be patient and sit in silence with them if need be. Sometimes that’s what they really need.
How to Deal With Someone With Depression and Suicidal Thoughts
In all of this, it’s important to also consider yourself. Many people have fallen into suicidal depression while trying to pull someone else out of it. We don’t want that for you. Here’s what you can do to stay safe:
- Set Boundaries to Protect Your Own Mental Health
- Create a Safety Plan with Them
Professional Help: Therapy and Resources
To wrap things up, let’s take a look at how to deal with depression and suicidal thoughts. A 2023 study concluded that there was a large mental health gap in South Africa. You would think this gap would have closed in the years since the study was published, but the gap is still as wide as ever.
We’re trying to bridge that gap by providing helpful tips and resources to promote mental health awareness and help people overcome depression. So if you’re struggling with suicidal depression, these solutions are for you:
- Therapy: Therapy plays a critical role in managing depression. The type of therapy you decide on will depend on the details of the situation.
- Crisis Support for Suicidal Individuals: Depression and suicidal helplines in South Africa offer immediate support for dealing with active suicidal depression situations.
- Mental Health Resources for Suicide Prevention: Websites like the ADS blog are filled with helpful resources to help you manage and overcome mental health struggles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between depression and suicidal depression?
Depression can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in behavior, but not everyone with depression has suicidal thoughts. Suicidal depression, on the other hand, is a more advanced stage where hopelessness and suicidal ideation are present. It is the point where depression begins to feel unbearable, and life no longer seems worth living.
What are the warning signs of suicidal depression in teenagers and children?
Warning signs often include emotional changes like sadness, hopelessness, and extreme mood swings, behavioral shifts such as withdrawal, secrecy, or giving away belongings, and physical symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite, or changes in sleep patterns. Sudden drops in school performance or avoiding social activities may also indicate suicidal depression.
How can I help someone who is showing signs of suicidal depression?
The most important step is to stay calm, listen without judgment, and encourage them to talk about how they feel. Avoid dismissing their emotions and instead offer reassurance and support. Encourage them to seek professional help through therapy or counseling, remove potential means of self-harm, and remind them that they are not alone. If the risk feels urgent, contact a suicide helpline or seek emergency support immediately.
Conclusion
Depression and suicide in South Africa are at an all-time high. We lose people every day, and their death leaves a lasting effect on everyone around them.
Parents mourn their children. Students mourn their classmates. And communities mourn the loss of young lives. This has to stop, and it is our mission to stop it.
The Angie Diedericks Suicide Prevention Program works to help South African children and teenagers dealing with depression and other mental health struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal depression, then please reach out today and let us help.
