Good mental health important for teenagers
20 February 2025
The City of Cape Town’s Health Department highlighted the importance of good mental health during Teen Suicide Prevention Week, from 9 to 16 February. At an event in Atlantis earlier today, the department encouraged young people to seek help when they feel overwhelmed.
Teen suicide is becoming more common every year in South Africa and according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, suicide accounts for approximately 9% of all teen deaths.
Suicide ranks as the third highest non-natural youth killer between the ages of 15 and 24, only behind motor vehicle deaths and homicide.
There is a major link between depression and suicide. While not all teenagers with depression attempt suicide, the majority of those who attempt suicide are depressed. There is hope, however, as most people who seek treatment get better.
‘There is a stigma around suicide which discourages individuals from seeking help, but also pushes them to conceal their suffering. They are left feeling alone and without options to change their circumstances. To combat this, we must foster open and honest conversations about mental health to normalise these issues and make it easier for people to reach out for support.
‘It is important to note that stigma associated with suicide deeply affects those left bereaved as well. Families often face harsh judgement from others and struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and rejection. It is crucial that we address these issues to support those affected and create a more compassionate and understanding society.
‘There are a number of risk factors for suicide and indications that someone is struggling with their general mental health. Teenagers most often don’t open up about their struggles whether at home, school or peer pressure. It is important parents, teachers and caregivers look for the signs which can include changed eating or sleeping habits, or a dramatic change in personality or appearance,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Francine Higham.
For a comprehensive list of risk factors, suicide warning signs and how to help someone, go to capetown.gov.za/Family and home/personal-health/mental-health/suicide-prevention
‘Mental health is everyone’s business. Together we can create hope for teens who are experiencing despair. It starts with courage to have conversations about mental health and suicide, then linking those who are suffering to care. There is clearly a mental health crisis amongst our youth, with many experiencing life as unbearable for living. The impact of suicide extends far beyond the individual, leaving a profound and lasting effect on those left behind. Help is available at our clinics and I want to encourage those who are struggling, to reach out,’ added Councillor Higham.
City Health provides mental health services at the clinics listed below. The clinical psychology and psychiatry services are by appointment. The Matrix substance abuse rehabilitation service offers a walk-in outpatient service.
|
Sub-district |
Clinical psychology service (City Health) |
Psychiatry service
(outreach by Western Cape Department of Health) |
Matrix |
| Western | Albow Gardens CDC Langa Clinic Hout Bay Clinic | Albow Gardens CDC | Albow Gardens CDC |
| Northern | Wallacedene Clinic Bloekombos Clinic | | Scottsdene clinic |
| Tygerberg | | St Vincent CDC Delft South Clinic | Delft South Clinic |
| Klipfontein | Gugulethu Clinic | | Manenberg Clinic |
| Southern | Ocean View CDC Pelican Park Clinic Masiphumelele Clinic | | Parkwood Clinic |
| Mitchells Plain | Tafelsig CDC Lentegeur Clinic | Tafelsig CDC | Tafelsig CDC |
| Khayelitsha | Kuyasa CDC Matthew Goniwe CDC | | Town Two CDC |
| Eastern | Dr Ivan Toms CDC Wesbank Clinic Ikhwezi CDC | Sir Lowry's Pass CDC | Eerste River Clinic |
If you are unable to get to one of the listed facilities, you can call The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 011 234 4837 or 0800 20 50 26 and speak to a trained counsellor. Alternatively, send an SMS to 31393 or visit the SADAG website https://www.sadag.org .The service is available 7 days a week from 8:00 – 20:00.
The SADAG Suicide Helpline 0800 567 567 is available 24 hours a day.
End
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
