Mbasa Piyo
Suicide has become one of the fastest growing causes of death among youth. The South African Society of Psychiatrists report that almost one in ten teenage deaths are as a result of suicide. According to the South African Stress and Health Study, 66% of young adults with anxiety disorders also suffer from depression. The study also highlighted that youth with suffer emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, or have witnessed violence, are at a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders. Gqeberha-based counselling psychologist, Dr Vuyokazi Lekhelebana sheds some light on the rise of this growing threat to our future.
Over the years, there has been an alarming increase in the number of deaths due to suicide. What could have caused this spike in numbers or why do you think is has happened?
(In the past) when someone died by suicide, it was a family thing and everyone was so secretive about it. But now because of social media, it has become publicised. The thought gets past on (to) others and may fuel the rise. In the most recent times, the pandemic has become a major stressor and there is a lack of psycho-social support. Bereavement and isolation have also caused major depression. Bullying has also exacerbated the mental health of the youth.
Why do you think suicide is viewed as a bigger problem among youth rather than other than the other groups of people (such as the older generation)?
…mental health issues develop in the youth stages. Adolescence is the beginning or onset of the episodes to late twenties. Today’s youth is also more vocal and aware of their struggle. They are honest and open about their struggles and don’t keep it (quiet) like the older generation who refuse to acknowledge their mental struggles. When we look at Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, we can see the difference in the older generation and the youth. The older generation have lived through times (when) their most basic needs were not met. Their main concern is …food and shelter (which is why when their children are going through depression (adults) may often ask: “Why (are you depressed) when you have food on your table and a roof over your head”?
Mental health issues relating to suicidal thoughts can be addressed with psychotherapy or medication but there is such a stigma in talking about mental health issues. Why do you think this stigma exists?
I think the biggest reason that there is a stigma is a lack of knowledge. There is a tendency to think that if a person seeks mental health care, they are crazy. It is seen as a weakness. Therapy is seen in a negative (light) and for people it is easier to diagnose physical than mental health. People face stereotypes once they are diagnosed which are extremely harmful. Parents also refuse children the help as they are concerned with what others will think which is because of all these stereotypes.
What roles can educators, society and parents play to protect the mental health of the youth?
(There) should (be a) support system for the youth. They (youth) should be educate(d) and be a safe space. ..(Young people) need to be knowledgeable and do their research on mental health issues. They need to bounce ideas off each other so that they can help the younger generation. They need to be aware of the violence and trauma that they cause to youth that can lead to irreversible damage and change their harmful behaviour.
What advice would you give to youth tackling mental health issues and dealing with suicidal ideations?
Seek help. Don’t sit with depression and think that it will just go away because it will not. You need to actively find help by doing your research, whether you find help through hotline helplines. They need to find out which resources to reach out to even by talking to a friend or an adult or even through the internet. Do not make permanent decisions based on temporary episodes.
If you are a young person experiencing severe anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts (or if you know someone who is), contact your school counsellor or a free counselling hotline like the SA Depression and Anxiety Group (0800-567567) or LifeLine South Africa (0861-322322).