The silent pandemic amongst us By Nellie Botha Have you watched the movie A Star Is Born staring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper? Spoiler alert if you haven’t seen the movie, but the movie ends very sadly with Jack (Cooper) committing suicide. While I was watching the movie I kept hoping for a story book ending, that someone will intervene, maybe Jack’s brother will drive by and stop him but alas they were too late. For Jack the pain from his past, alcoholism and the loss of his hearing was too much to bear and he saw no other way out… For many South Africans this is also a similar reality. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has been reporting increased concern regarding the mental health of our nation during the COVID -19 Pandemic. On the 9th of September 2020 Cassey Chambers, SADAG’s operations director, said suicide is still a taboo topic in our society; no one wants or knows how to talk about it. In South Africa, there are 23 recorded suicides a day, and for every suicide there are a further 20 attempted suicides. SADAG’s suicide helpline received 55 000 calls for help since January 2020. “So many people are dealing with serious problems every day, from relationships, work stress, unemployment, trauma, grief or financial stress and many of them simply don’t have proper access to mental health treatment or care.” “Other times people don’t know where to get the help they need, and to make matters worse, there is the stigma that prevents people from speaking up and getting help until it is too late.” Working as an Occupational Therapist and on a personal level, I have known and heard of people wanting to commit suicide or attempting to do so. It is difficult to understand why someone would think to do something so extreme. But talking to some people who have contemplated to take their own lives, they often see no way out and just want the emotional pain to stop. They feel that their families would be better off without them or that no one will miss them. Perhaps you are feeling this way or might be suffering from depression without knowing it? How do you recognise the symptoms of depression? It is important to realise that you probably have depression, if for longer than two weeks: · · · · · · · · · you feel sad, anxious or "empty"; you have difficulty concentrating or remembering; you are indecisive; you feel tired and have no energy, and feel worthless, hopeless, negative, irritable and desperate; you cannot sleep, or sleep badly, or sleep too much; you feel irritated and restless; nothing is interesting anymore; you eat too much or too little, and you may even already experience involuntary thoughts about suicide. Please: Make an appointment with your GP immediately. Warning signs for suicide SADAG urges families, parents, loved ones and colleagues to take every suicide mention, threat or attempt seriously. “Over 75% of people who die by suicide tell someone first – it is so important to know the warning signs so you can identify when someone you care about needs urgent help,” says psychiatrist and psychologist Dr Frans Korb. Warning signs may include the following: · · · · · · · · Changes in eating and sleeping habits Loss of interest in usual activities Neglect of personal appearance or hygiene Withdrawal from friends and family Running away from home Alcohol and substance abuse Unnecessary risk-taking behaviour Obsession with death and dying · · Numerous physical complaints linked to emotional distress, stress headaches, nausea, stomach pains, fatigue Feelings of boredom, agitation, nervousness, sadness, loneliness or hopelessness How to help someone who is thinking about suicide? · · · · · Talk openly in a non-judgemental way. Don’t try to argue with the person. Instead, empathise with their expressed emotions: try to listen to what they’re saying to you, and, most importantly, avoid interrupting them until you are certain that they are finished. Be compassionate and make it known that you are there to listen. Support the person in getting help. Encourage them to contact their local GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, local counselling service or an anonymous phone line such as the Suicide Crisis Line (see contact information below). Trust your gut! If you feel you can’t leave the person alone as they will hurt themselves then you need to accompany them to the nearest emergency room for an assessment. In some instances if the person has been seen by a private psychiatrist or psychologist in the past, they or the local psychiatric clinic can be contacted. They will advise whether to bring the person directly to their offices or to the clinic to assess if an admission is necessary. Stay connected with the person, a suicidal person will often feel hopeless, helpless and isolated. Even if they do not answer messages still initiate contact so they know you care and are thinking of them. Even after the person has sought help and seems to be on a healthy path to healing, encourage others to check in on them during this vulnerable time. Many suicides occur during a period of apparent improvement, so never underestimate this step. This video by Erich Schoeman, Christian Clinical Psychologist explains so well how to talk to someone contemplating suicide. https://youtu.be/VC_MKqFOQdY If you or someone you know suffers from depression please reach out to someone on the contact list below. Depression is a treatable illness you do not need to suffer in silence! Treating depression holistically with medication, talking therapy, spiritual and social support and lifestyle changes you can live a meaningful and purposeful life! Contact list: · · · · For a suicidal emergency call The South African Depression And Anxiety Group On 0800 567 567. Their 24Hour Helpline Is 0800 12 13 14 or via SMS 31393. If you just need to talk to someone about life’s pressures please contact our Life Centre for an appointment with a Christian Counsellor or other lay councillors Jonanda Burger Tel:0829225081 Helderberg Clinic, Private Psychiatric Hospital Helpline Tel: 0727900506 Daytime Tel: 0218411000 www.medpages.info for contact details of psychiatrists or psychologists in your area References: https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/up-to-23-suicides-a-day-in-sa-says-sadag-ac124a68-b7a3-48a6b560-d823eb936238 http://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3057:opinion-how-to-break-thestigma-of-suicide-and-other-s-words&catid=92&Itemid=154 https://www.sakevdsiel.org/selfmoord-en-rou.html http://www.sadag.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3091&Itemid=483
