Walk To Raise Awareness About Suicide Prevention Day
World Suicide Prevention Day 2017 is on Sunday, September 10, and sailors are encouraged to support a Suicide Awareness Walk in Edenvale.
Registration starts at 7.30am and the walk will begin at 8am, from the Edenvale Sports Club, 17th Avenue, J P Bezuidenhout Park, Edenvale.
The entrance is a contribution of R30 and participants must wear yellow to show support for the cause.
Statistics
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag), there are 23 completed suicides in South Africa every day.
For every suicide, there are 20 attempted suicides, and this amount could be greater as suicide is still quite under-reported.
“Seventy-five per cent of people who attempt World Suicide Prevention Day 2017 give some warning of their intentions to a friend or family member. Therefore, it is critical for loved ones to know the warning signs and symptoms of suicide,” said clinical psychologist and Sadag board member Zamo Mbele .
Psychologist Gregory Eccles believes many people don’t know how to respond to suicide, attempted suicide and ideation (the sense of wanting to commit suicide).
“Some might frame suicide attempts as ‘selfish acts’, accusing the individual of not caring for those around them.
“Suicidal ideation is often brushed off, painted as someone being over-dramatic or dismissed as an empty threat. The truth is that suicidal individuals are scared to confront it head on — mortality can be a frightening concept!” Eccles said.
Get help
In case you or a loved one are seeking help, Sadag supplies free telephonic counselling, information and nationwide referrals to support groups, psychologists, psychiatrists, clinics and more.
Online resources, such as brochures, articles, self-help strategies and videos can be found
The Sadag toll-free helpline (0800 70 80 90) and SMS line (31393) are open seven days a week, 365 days a year, from 8am to 8pm.
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September 20, 2017
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