Suicide! If somebody utters that word in a room full of people, different reactions will pop up. Most people feel rather uncomfortable when it comes to discussing issues about depression or any other mental illnesses. Most people are scared of death so you can understand why most of them would be terrified of thinking about someone else taking their own life.
We sit at home with our families or even on our own and shut out what happens around us. People are constantly looking for a way to escape from their hectic lives. Teenagers go to school and hang out with their friends, get back home and shut themselves in their rooms. It has become a norm.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group held a breakfast launch for the “We Care” campaign on the 12th of February 2014, in line with the Teen Suicide prevention week. There were several speakers who spoke about the significance of the entire campaign. “These teenagers see no hope or solution,” said Dr Clark, who explained why most teenagers commit suicide.
The main idea of the campaign is to reach out to every young person to let them know that they are not alone and that there is someone who they can reach out to and speak to about the issues they are facing.
When young people are finding a reason to take their lives just so that they can escape, then something needs to be done in our communities because this issue affects us all. We cannot pretend to look away or pretend like nothing is happening when suicide attempt statistics grow on the daily.
So do your bit and show that you care. It’s as easy as taking a marker and writing a positive message on your hand that will encourage young people. Then you take a picture of the message on your hand and share it via social media networking sites and @TheSadag including #WeCare. Do your bit to save someone’s life out there. Your words of inspiration truly matter.
Photo’s taken by: @Fashion_Fweak
