Sadag to highlight suicide prevention in Friday chat

The spotlight on suicide prevention continues this week as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) is set to host two Facebook Friday sessions on the issue.

The discussions will take place on 9 September between 1pm to 2pm and 7pm to 8pm and will see two psychologists tackle the topic and how loved ones can deal with the issue.

Clinical psychologist and Sadag board member, Zamo Mbele explained that hosting the chats was a way to help family members and loved ones affected by suicide to deal with the traumatic occurrence. “Seventy-five per cent of people tell the next person about someone they know who has attempted suicide; therefore, it is vital for family members and loved ones to know the warning signs and symptoms of suicide,” she said.

Adding to this was Gregory Eccles, a psychologist from Greenstone Hill, who explained that often, many people do not know how to respond to suicide or attempted suicide and often labelled suicide attempts as ‘selfish’. “Suicidal ideation – the feeling of wanting to commit suicide – is [also] often brushed off, painting someone as being ‘overdramatic’ or dismissing it as an empty threat,” Eccles explained.

“The truth is that suicidal people are scared to face it head-on – mortality can be a frightening concept.”

The afternoon chat will take place with Mbele, and the evening one will be with Eccles, and will also see the experts answer questions on recognising the warning signs and symptoms of suicide, how to get help and coping with the loss of a loved one.

Details: www.sadag.org

Also read: Teenage suicide explained by Sadag

Add us on Whatsapp for the latest news by adding 079 4395 345 to your contact list and just send your name to us so we can save your number. Click here to find out more about our Whatsapp policy.