‘Preventing suicide has to start with destigmatising the act of seeking support’

As we commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day, Dr Nyambeni Matamela, clinical psychologist and lecturer in the Department of Psychology at UP, details behaviour that should raise red flags and why suicidal individuals need more community support.

Suicide is a public mental health problem with significant personal, social and economic implications. Globally, approximately one million people die by suicide annually, with experts estimating that for every person who dies by suicide, 20 more make an attempt to take their lives. The loss of someone as a result of suicide leaves a huge gap on many levels, with family members and loved ones left with feelings of devastation, unanswered questions and trauma responses. As such, World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated annually on 10 September.

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