The SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has since January fielded more than 75,000 calls from South Africans contemplating suicide as well as from those who have attempted ending their lives.
Sadag, which runs a dedicated suicide crisis helpline, said calls have come from “people who are really struggling, having serious suicidal thoughts, behaviours, and callers who have previously attempted suicide.
“Sadag has had a direct impact on the population’s mental health since Covid-19 lockdown last year, with more and more people reaching out for help every day, especially youth as they make up the majority of callers contacting Sadag.”“Before Covid lockdown in 2020, we were receiving about 600 calls per day.Eighteen months later Sadag is fielding about 2,200 calls per day.
Talking about suicide has often been viewed as a taboo and shameful topic, with many too scared to talk about it, out of fear that it may “plant the seed” or that they would say the wrong thing.
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