Peak times
HOLIDAY seasons, Sunday evenings and Monday mornings were among the peak times for suicides, said Professor Lourens Schlebusch.
“Research shows that suicides peaked at certain times. Generally, it’s towards the end of the year in South Africa.”
He said usually at that time, suicidal behaviour was linked to examination stress and pressure.
“People getting into or out of university, or if they’ve finished school, if their marks are not good, or even if their marks are good but they may be unable to secure enough university points,” he said.
Schlebusch said at the beginning of the year, it was usually linked to the high unemployment rate and associated economic pressures.
“We also see a peak around seasons, like Christmas, because then you are reminded of the happiness of people around you and you’re reminded of your sense of hopelessness.
“Around this time, people often relive past experiences. They often think about previous Christmases and that can cause problems.”
Any celebrations or special days, like a birthday or the anniversary of the death of a loved one, can also trigger suicidal feelings.
“There are also peak periods in the week. It normally peaks over the weekends – Sunday evenings and Monday mornings. We haven’t quite worked out whether it’s because it is the end of the weekend and people feel they have had enough, or the start of the week when they feel like they have to face the same problems again.”
Trusted helplines include:
Suicide Crisis Line: 0800 567 567 SA Depression and Anxiety Group mental health line: 011 234 4837 Lifeline: 0861 322 322
| POST Reporter