Suicide Awareness Day (10 September) is an opportunity to talk openly about suicide, challenge misconceptions and remind people that they do not have to face overwhelming thoughts or feelings alone.
More than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year, with suicide accounting for around one in every 100 deaths globally. It is also one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29.
Suicide can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. While men account for more suicide deaths than women globally, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances or how their life may appear from the outside.
Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, can take many forms. For some people, it may involve actively considering suicide or making plans. For others, it can mean feeling that they do not want to be alive, feeling hopeless about the future, or simply wishing that their emotional pain would stop.
Importantly, having suicidal thoughts does not always mean someone is about to attempt suicide. Suicidal ideation exists on a spectrum, and some people continue to work, socialise and carry on with everyday life while privately struggling.
That does not mean their experience is any less serious.
Suicidal thoughts can be exhausting, frightening and overwhelming. They can develop over a long period or appear suddenly, sometimes following a traumatic or distressing experience.
Grief, abuse, financial difficulties, rejection, relationship problems, unemployment and other major life stresses can contribute to suicidal thoughts. Mental-health conditions, including depression, can also increase the risk.
There is no single reason why someone becomes suicidal, and suicide should never be described simply as selfish or cowardly. In many cases, a person may feel trapped in emotional pain and unable to see another way forward.
Another important misconception is that talking about suicide will make someone more likely to attempt it.
In fact, having an open and compassionate conversation can give someone an opportunity to talk about what they are experiencing and seek help. Asking someone directly how they are doing, listening without judgement and letting them know that you care can be important first steps.
Telling someone that they have "so much to live for", or making them feel guilty about how their death would affect others, may not be helpful. What someone experiencing suicidal thoughts often needs most is to feel heard, understood and supported.
Professional help is also important. Therapy, medication and other forms of treatment are not instant solutions, and recovery can take time. People may need ongoing support and practical strategies to manage suicidal thoughts and recognise when they need additional help.
Previous suicide attempts are an important risk factor for future suicide, which makes continued support particularly important.
Suicide is preventable, and early intervention can save lives.
Suicide Awareness Day is therefore not simply about remembering those who have died. It is also about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to say, "I'm not okay", and where others are prepared to listen.
Sometimes, starting the conversation can be the first step towards getting someone the help they need.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or a suicide crisis service for urgent assistance.
Contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
More than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide every year, with suicide accounting for around one in every 100 deaths globally. It is also one of the leading causes of death among young people aged 15 to 29.
Suicide can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. While men account for more suicide deaths than women globally, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances or how their life may appear from the outside.
Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, can take many forms. For some people, it may involve actively considering suicide or making plans. For others, it can mean feeling that they do not want to be alive, feeling hopeless about the future, or simply wishing that their emotional pain would stop.
Importantly, having suicidal thoughts does not always mean someone is about to attempt suicide. Suicidal ideation exists on a spectrum, and some people continue to work, socialise and carry on with everyday life while privately struggling.
That does not mean their experience is any less serious.
Suicidal thoughts can be exhausting, frightening and overwhelming. They can develop over a long period or appear suddenly, sometimes following a traumatic or distressing experience.
Grief, abuse, financial difficulties, rejection, relationship problems, unemployment and other major life stresses can contribute to suicidal thoughts. Mental-health conditions, including depression, can also increase the risk.
There is no single reason why someone becomes suicidal, and suicide should never be described simply as selfish or cowardly. In many cases, a person may feel trapped in emotional pain and unable to see another way forward.
Another important misconception is that talking about suicide will make someone more likely to attempt it.
In fact, having an open and compassionate conversation can give someone an opportunity to talk about what they are experiencing and seek help. Asking someone directly how they are doing, listening without judgement and letting them know that you care can be important first steps.
Telling someone that they have "so much to live for", or making them feel guilty about how their death would affect others, may not be helpful. What someone experiencing suicidal thoughts often needs most is to feel heard, understood and supported.
Professional help is also important. Therapy, medication and other forms of treatment are not instant solutions, and recovery can take time. People may need ongoing support and practical strategies to manage suicidal thoughts and recognise when they need additional help.
Previous suicide attempts are an important risk factor for future suicide, which makes continued support particularly important.
Suicide is preventable, and early intervention can save lives.
Suicide Awareness Day is therefore not simply about remembering those who have died. It is also about creating an environment where people feel safe enough to say, "I'm not okay", and where others are prepared to listen.
Sometimes, starting the conversation can be the first step towards getting someone the help they need.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact emergency services or a suicide crisis service for urgent assistance.
Contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
