SADAG encourages mentally fatigued to reach out amid World Suicide Prevention Day

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Celestine Hendricks

10 September 2022, 09:36 [SAST]

Reading Time: 2 minutes

As people across the globe observe World Suicide Prevention Day, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) has encouraged the public to reach out to its services should they feel mentally fatigued.

According to WHO, around 703 000 people a year take their life around the world. For every suicide, there are likely 20 other people making a suicide attempt and many more have serious thoughts of suicide. Millions of people suffer intense grief or are otherwise profoundly impacted by suicidal behaviours.

World Suicide Prevention Day is aimed at promoting worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides.

Today is #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, SADAG encourages people to have #BraveConversations about Suicide Prevention. Talking about Suicide can save a life. SHARE to let someone on your feed know that there is always help! Visit SADAG’s website for more https://t.co/C8J2avkSEc pic.twitter.com/fhVsenKrAT

— SADAG (@TheSADAG) September 10, 2022

SADAG’s Operations Director Cassey Chambers says they have had an increase in the number of calls in people reaching out.

“There are a lot more challenges, stresses and triggers and a lot more people are feeling overwhelmed and not coping and really struggling. We have seen an increase in the number of calls in people reaching out. At the moment it’s over 3 000 calls per day and 1 in 5 of our calls are suicide related. We have heard of young children as young as Grade 9 who are taking their own lives. We are hearing of university students as well. So, we are hearing more and more about it which I think what is important is raising awareness and talking about it and people reaching out for help.”

People who want to contact SADAG for advice can do so on 0800 456 789 or SMS 31393 and a counsellor will call back, or WhatsApp 087 163 2030 (8am – 5pm, 7 days a week) to chat LIVE to a SADAG Counsellor for free help.