Sadag lines flooded since Mayosi’s death.

MORE and more young people who feel completely overwhelmed, helpless and hopeless are calling the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag).

A statement released by the organisation said that following the death of University of Cape Town’s Professor Bongani Mayosi, their helplines have been inundated with calls.

Mayosi committed suicide and was buried on Saturday.

“We have had many additional suicide callers, concerned family members and even work colleagues calling in to ask for help, information and emergency intervention.

“Our volunteer counsellors have been fielding hundreds of calls, while more people have been reaching out via emails, SMSs and social media needing help with various mental health issues,” the statement read.

Speaking to the Cape Argus, Sadag operations director Cassey Chambers said depression and suicide were a serious issue among the youth, from young children to young adults on campus. She said the youngest suicide victim had been of a child aged 6.

“Adolescents are the most at risk group, and from all of our work and providing dedicated helplines for various universities, there are many students in crisis. We assist many youth who are depressed, suicidal and need urgent crisis and emergency intervention.”

A National Youth Risk Survey in 2011 indicated that depression and suicidal ideation was on the increase. Many of the youth interviewed said they had planned to commit suicide and some had made attempts.

In South Africa 9.5% of all non-natural teen deaths are due to suicide. In the 15-24 age group, suicide is the second leading – and fastest-growing – cause of death. At least 22 people take their lives every day.

Cape Mental Health spokesperson Dylan Oktober said depression was particularly severe for the age group of 10-19, which is the considered the highest risk group for suicide.

“There are many factors contributing to teenagers experiencing depression. They can develop feelings of worthlessness over their school performance and social status, and their sexual orientation and family life can have a major effect on they feel,” he said.

Oktober said nearly 17 million people in South Africa were dealing with psychosocial disorders like depression. “It’s imperative to seek help,” he said. Call 0800121314, visit www.sadag.org –

SADAG SAID THE YOUNGEST SUICIDE VICTIM HAD BEEN A CHILD AGED 6