How to cope with depression

Operations director of the group, Cassey Chambers, said there has been no suicide research with statistics for the last two years. “But, according to Professor Lourens Schlebusch [an expert on stress and suicide], there are 23 suicides every 24 hours and a further 460 attempted suicides in the country every day. For every one completed suicide, there are 20 attempted suicides and one in every five teenagers have attempted suicide. A total of 9.5 percent of all teen deaths are due to suicide,” said Chambers.

Reasons for suicide mostly range from depression, financial problems, relationship issues, job stress, chronic illness, trauma, grief and substance abuse.

Chambers also said, “Losing a loved one to suicide is incredibly difficult. People may feel sad, angry, derailed or even numb. Grief is a roller coaster of emotions. It leaves those left behind with many unanswered questions, guilt and shame.”

Sadag emphasised the importance for loved ones who lost someone to suicide to attend trauma or grief counselling to help them process and cope with the loss. There are also support groups with other members who have also lost loved ones to suicide. It is a great opportunity to share, connect and receive support. There is help and support available.

Ways of dealing with depression according to Sadag include:

•  Get out of bed daily and get dressed, as staying in bed all day will sink you further into depression
•  Get adequate sleep
•  Establish a routine that is not stressful and easy to follow
•  Eat a balanced diet
•  Try and do things that you used to enjoy before you became depressed
•  Keep a journal and write down how you feel
•  Let friends and family help you
•  Start or join a support group and talk to people who have overcome depression
•  Break large tasks into smaller ones and set priorities
•  Be patient and kind to yourself.

Details: Helpline: 0800 567 567; 24-hour helpline: 0800 12 13 14; SMS 31393.