Teenage suicide is a growing concern in South Africa. Every year, we lose several young, fragile souls to suicide. Parents mourn their children while questioning what they could have done differently.
We want to save you from that fate and your teenager from suicide. This article will explore teen suicide symptoms, prevention, the factors causing this tragedy, and actionable steps to help struggling adolescents.
What is Teenage Suicide?
Teenage suicide is when a young person intentionally takes their own life. It’s a heartbreaking thing and we wish we could tell you it doesn’t happen often. Sadly, we can’t.
In reality, it’s been estimated that suicide causes 9% of teenage deaths in South Africa. If we don’t act, this percentage might rise and we will lose more teenagers. We must each play a part in making sure this doesn’t become a reality.
Why is it Important for Teenagers to Investigate Teenage Suicide?
Encouraging South African teens to understand teenage suicide is more important than most people realize. Open discussion and regular education will help them recognize warning signs in themselves and their peers. It will also teach them how to deal with suicidal thoughts as a teenager.
Schools and parents should help students learn about teenage suicide. By providing educational resources in a safe environment, they can reduce the stigma and encourage teens to speak up.
Symptoms of Suicidal Teenager
Recognising the early signs of teenage suicide is crucial for prevention. If we can notice the signs early, we can take action and save teens who cannot save themselves. These precious lives are in our hands so we must do everything we can to help them.
There are certain teenage suicidal behaviours to look out for. Spotting them early will help you to intervene before it’s too late. Here are some teenage suicidal tendencies:
- Sudden withdrawal from friends and family
- Drastic changes in mood and behaviour
- Expressions of hopelessness or feeling like a burden
- Self-harm or risky behaviours
- Giving away personal belongings
Factors Causing Teenage Suicide
To South Africans, teenage suicide is an isolated event, but that is often not the truth. This tragic situation is usually brought on by a series of environmental, social, and psychological elements. This is why it’s so important to learn how to help suicidal teenagers.
One of the ways we can help is by learning the factors causing teenage suicide. Each factor causes or contributes to this growing pandemic:
- History of teen depression symptoms or anxiety
- Experience of bullying and teen suicide links
- Substance abuse
- Family history of suicide or mental illness
- Exposure to suicidal behaviours in peers or media
Parenting A Suicidal Teenager
Raising a teenager dealing with suicidal thoughts is far from easy. With time the worry starts to eat at you as you wonder if your precious child will be with you the next day. It’s a tough battle, one that requires patience, empathy, and professional guidance.
How to Talk to a Suicidal Teenager
When dealing with a suicidal teenager, there are a few dos and don’ts. You must understand that they are in a sensitive place. The wrong statement could cause irreparable damage. Here’s how to deal with a suicidal teenager:
- Use open-ended questions: These are the types of questions to ask a suicidal teenager.
- Avoid judgmental language: Parents should encourage open conversations about teenage suicide without fear of judgment or punishment.
- Listen actively and validate their feelings.
- Encourage professional help: Seeking therapy or counseling can help struggling teens.
How Can We Prevent Teenage Suicide?
The World Health Organization cites suicide as the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29.
Reports show that one in five high school students in South Africa has attempted to take their own life.
TimesLIVE recorded that over 7500 children in South Africa tried to commit suicide in the space of nine months.
We don’t say all this to scare you but the truth is that we should all be scared. These numbers are terrifying. Someone needs to do something—we need to do something.
So how can teenage suicide be prevented?
The first step is early intervention. You’ll need to know the symptoms of a suicidal teenager. Recognizing suicide warning signs early is the best way to prevent it.
Next, you’ll need to encourage emotional resilience in your teen. Give them strength and allow them to pour their weight on you. Listen without judgment and over-help in any way you can.
If you’re still not able to get through to your teenager, then consider reaching out to a professional. There are suicide helplines in South Africa that offer free mental health services. You can also take it a step further by speaking to the school counselors or booking therapy sessions for your teenager.
Finally, it’s important to remove potential self-harm objects from the vicinity. Remove firearms, medications, and sharp objects.
What to Do If a Teenager is Suicidal?
If you notice warning signs of teenage suicide, you need to act fast. Your teen might not be showing full-blown signs of depression, but even subtle changes in mood and behavior could be a sign.
Teenage suicide is an unfortunate domino event that begins in the smallest ways. It builds up over time, leading to an act that once done cannot be undone. This is why we must act fast.
If you have a suicidal teenager, you should never leave them alone. This may seem drastic and you might worry about smothering them, but leaving suicidal teenagers alone allows negative thoughts to fester. If things don’t get better, you should consider seeking immediate help from professionals.
In the event of a crisis, please call the suicide crisis helpline. And even when the situation seems resolved, make sure to continue monitoring them. Hire a therapist and offer emotional support.
What is The Impact of Teenage Suicide on Family and Community?
It’s unsurprising to note that there is a negative impact of teenage suicide on families. The emotional and psychological effects on peers also cannot be ignored. One social impact of teenage suicide is survivors’ guilt and trauma.
Those closest to the victim might develop long-term mental health struggles. They will likely need counseling and support. This is the effect on family and friends.
But how does teenage suicide affect the community?
Teenage suicide leaves lasting trauma on neighbors, schoolmates, teachers, coaches, and many more people. Everyone in the community is deeply affected. There is also an economic impact of teenage suicide on healthcare systems, workplaces, and the community at large.
Practical Solutions To Address Teenage Suicide
Schools should organise workshops on mental health. These workshops will help students understand how to deal with teenage suicidal thoughts. Intervention programs should also be provided by schools and communities.
By strengthening mental health resources in the community, we can help educate adolescents on important issues. This way they’re more equipped to recognize teenage suicidal tendencies in themselves and others.
Conclusion
To prevent teenage suicide, we need all hands on deck. Parents, teachers, schools, and communities play a key role in saving these young people. You can do this by understanding how to address teenage suicide.
Recognise symptoms early, offer support, and seek professional help when needed. This will help make South Africa a supportive environment where teenagers feel safe, valued, and heard.
