Suicide in South Africa is at an all-time high—with our country recording roughly 14,000 suicide deaths per year.
That’s a terrible number of people to lose, and it becomes even more upsetting when we realize that most of those people were teenagers—young, promising souls lost to the painful battle with mental illness.
The youth suicide rate in South Africa is heartbreaking. This study done in 2020 revealed that suicide in South Africa is the leading cause of death for people aged 15-29.
But what’s the reason behind this consistent rise of suicide in South Africa? And what can we do to stop it?
We’ll discuss that and tell you everything you need to know about teenage suicide.
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Factors Driving the Rise in Suicide Among South Africans
Many factors drive depression and suicide in South Africa. One of them is economic hardship and unemployment. This struggle often plagues the older generation, pushing them to extremes as they fight to escape the system.
Poor access to mental healthcare also worsens the problem of suicide in South Africa. This 2007 study found that 72% of South Africans living with mental disorders don’t receive adequate mental health treatment.
And according to this 2014 study on the mental health treatment gap in South Africa, one out of three South Africans will struggle with a mental disorder in their lifetime.
Imagine that! In a country where mental disorders are extremely common, the treatment gap remains as wide as ever.
Another leading cause is discrimination. People who are facing discrimination of any kind, such as gender, race, sexuality, or regional differences are usually more likely to commit suicide.
Youth and teens are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. At that age, their identities are still developing, which makes them susceptible to peer pressure. This can lead them down dangerous paths like substance abuse.
There’s a strong link between substance abuse and suicide in South Africa. And we’ve heard real stories about peer pressure and drug addiction. It’s all connected.
Social isolation and cyberbullying are also becoming key causes of teen suicide in South Africa. Factors like an unstable or violent home environment and poor academic performance also contribute to suicidal thoughts among teens.
Recognizing the Warning Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Early recognition is one of the most effective ways to prevent suicide in South Africa. If you have a teenager, you should look out for signs of cyberbullying, harassment, or depression. They usually aren’t glaringly obvious but if you pay attention, you’ll notice subtle signs that your child needs you to intervene.
Behavioral red flags include giving away items they love, losing interest in activities they used to like, or withdrawing into themselves. You might also notice that they’re organizing their rooms meticulously or putting everything in its place. These are often signs that they are preparing their loved ones to live without them.
Other behavioral signs to consider are difficulty concentrating and poor grades—especially if they typically do well in school.
There are also emotional and psychological signals. These include sadness, depression, and sudden mood changes. If your teen switches from being extremely happy to seeming depressed, you definitely shouldn’t ignore that.
And finally, having trouble sleeping and eating are some of the physical signs of depression. A fluctuating appetite might mean eating too much or too little. Either way, you should intervene when you notice this.
How to Support Someone Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts
The suicide in South Africa statistics are a painful reminder of how limited mental health services still are. Even with so many organizations dedicated to helping South Africans living with mental health issues, there’s still more work to be done. And we all need to play a part in moving the needle.
Here‘s how you can support your friend, family member, or anyone you know who is struggling with suicidal thoughts:
- Remind them that you love them and they don’t have to deal with this alone.
- Listen without judgment.
- Tell them that they won’t feel this way forever. Reassure them that there is a light at the end of this dark tunnel and they just need to keep going.
- Encourage them to seek help from a professional.
- Check up on them regularly.
- Ensure someone is with them if they seem close to or have had a crisis before.
- Know when to call emergency services.
- Have open conversations with your children and teens. Mental health awareness is important, even at a young age.
- Build support systems in schools, homes, and communities.
How to Talk to Someone Who is Depressed and Suicidal
Knowing how to talk to someone who is suicidal can make a life-saving difference. How you speak is important because they are in a delicate place. Avoid hurting them with judgemental words or guilt-tripping them into changing their minds. This will likely do more harm than good.
People who are on the edge of suicide are vulnerable and should be treated as such. They already feel guilty, tired, and burdened. Do your best not to add to that load. Instead, be a shoulder they can lean on, a friend they can sit in silence with. And when they’re finally ready to speak, offer a listening ear and a hug if they need one.
Where to Get Help for Suicidal Thoughts in South Africa
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, then this is for you.
You don’t have to struggle alone or in silence. There’s help available. Here’s how you can get help:
- 24/7 suicide helplines in South Africa and emergency contacts.
- Online resources for mental health awareness in South Africa.
- Free and confidential counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Suicide in South Africa
Is suicide illegal in South Africa?
No, suicide is not illegal in South Africa. Neither suicide nor attempted suicide is considered a criminal offense.
Is assisted suicide legal in South Africa?
No, assisted suicide is not legal. Assisting someone to commit suicide can lead to a murder charge.
Can I be arrested for attempting suicide?
No, you can’t be arrested for attempting suicide. It’s not considered a crime under South African law.
Does life insurance cover suicide in South Africa?
Life insurance only covers suicide if it takes place after the first 24 months. This 2-year clause for suicidal deaths is a common staple with life insurance policies in South Africa.
Where can I find free mental health support in South Africa?
Visit the ADS website to get free, confidential, and immediate mental health support in South Africa. Our helplines are always open!
Final Words
The suicide statistics in South Africa remind all of us that the fight is far from over. There’s still so much work to be done—so many people that need help. But if we all make the effort, then more lives will be saved.
Together, we can reduce the rate of suicide in South Africa and build an environment where love and compassion reign.
Find help for your loved ones and peace for your soul at the ADS website. Our articles are there to educate about important mental health issues. And our suicide helplines are open 24/7.
If you’re ready to talk, we’re ready to listen!
