Suicide: time to break taboo

It’s part of history. Throughout the centuries, for religious and moral reasons, suicide was considered one of the worst sins, perhaps the worst that a human being could commit.

This taboo, which has deep roots in our culture, has turned into a problem and concealed a sad reality: it can affect anyone at any time of life, regardless of socioeconomic status, age, race, gender or religion.

The numbers themselves should be enough to convince anyone that the issue should not be seen as taboo, but regarded as what it really is: a serious public health problem.

Just to give an idea of its magnitude, according to the SA Depression and Anxiety group, in SA there are 23 suicides a day and 230 serious attempted suicides. Warning signs of suicide: Talking or joking about suicide. Depression: feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest, withdrawal from friends and family.

Self-criticism: reflecting on themselves in highly negative ways, ie, “I can’t do anything right”. However not all people who are suicidal are self-critical.

Changes in personality: Someone who is very sociable may not want to go out, and become negative, aggressive or irritable.

Loss of interest in appearance or drop in hygiene:

Risk-taking behaviour: drinking and driving, taking drugs.

Excessive feelings of guilt, selfblame and sense of failure.

If you feeling suicidal or depressed seek immediate help from a health care professional.

Many people at some time in their lives think about suicide but most decide to live.But people having a crisis sometimes perceive their dilemma as inescapable. Numbers to contact: Lifeline, 0861-322-322 SA Depression and Anxiety group 0800-21-22-23 (8am to 8pm), 0800-12-12-14.