top of page
griffin jd.jpg

PROJECT: SUICIDE IN SOUTH AFRICA - SEPTEMBER 2024

YOU MAY SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT

 

World Suicide Prevention Day is commemorated on

10 September to promote worldwide commitment and action to prevent suicides. 

Suicide is an urgent and deeply concerning issue in South Africa, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds.


According to the latest statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) and South African Depression and

Anxiety Group (SADAG), South Africa records approximately

23 suicides a day, and for every suicide, at least 20 more individuals attempt to take their own lives.

The majority of these cases involve young people aged 15 to 29,

with men being more than three times more likely to die by suicide than women.

 

PATTERNS OF CONCERN:

  • Gender:

    • Men are more likely to die by suicide, while women tend to attempt suicide more often.

  • Age Groups:

    • Adolescents and young adults (ages 15–24) show increasing suicide rates, mainly linked to academic pressure, social media, and bullying.

  • Substance Abuse:

    • Individuals with alcohol or drug addiction face a higher risk of suicidal behaviour.

  • Mental Health:

    • Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions remain the leading contributors.

  • Economic Stress:

    • Unemployment, financial difficulties, and domestic challenges often trigger suicidal thoughts, especially among adults in their 30s and 40s.

 

EARLY WARNING SIGNS:

  • Withdrawal from social activities:

    • A person might begin isolating themselves from family, friends, or once-enjoyed activities.

  • Hopelessness:

    • Persistent talk about feeling trapped, hopeless, or as if they are a burden to others.

  • Drastic changes in behaviour:

    • This includes sudden mood swings, anger, anxiety, or giving away prized possessions.

  • Increased substance abuse:

    • Use of drugs or alcohol as a means of escaping feelings of despair.

  • Talking about death or suicide:

    • Statements about wanting to die, searching for methods to end life, or speaking about death with fascination.

 

SUICIDAL FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS INCLUDE:

  • Cannot stop the pain.

  • Cannot think clearly.

  • Cannot make decisions.

  • Cannot see any way out.

  • Cannot sleep, eat or work.

  • Cannot get out of depression.

  • Cannot make the sadness go away.

  • Cannot see a future without pain.

  • Cannot see themselves as worthwhile.

  • Cannot get someone's attention.

  • Cannot seem to get control.

  • Feeling hopeless and helpless.

 

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF YOUR RESPONSE:

  • Listen without judgment:

    • Encourage the person to talk about their feelings and listen patiently.

    • Do not offer solutions or minimise their pain.

  • Ask directly about suicide:

    • If you suspect someone may be contemplating suicide, ask them directly, “Are you thinking of hurting yourself?”

    • It would not plant the idea but might offer them relief in expressing their feelings.

  • Stay with them:

    • Never leave the person alone if you feel they are in immediate danger.

    • Remove potentially harmful items that may be lying around.

  • Encourage professional help:

    • Offer to help them find a therapist or mental health professional or take them to the nearest hospital if they are in immediate danger.

  • Offer hope:

    • Remind them that their pain is temporary, and with the right help, they can overcome their current struggles.

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the:

South African Suicide Hotline: 0800 567 567, or visit the

SADAG website: www.sadag.org

 

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Group.

This group is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.


HOW TO JOIN THE MIKE BOLHUIS DAILY PROJECTS WHATSAPP GROUP:

 
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.

ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
 

Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949

Mobile: +27 82 447 6116

Fax: 086 585 4924

Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -


EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.


STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.


POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv

 
SSS TASK TEAM:
 
 

Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.


Our mailing address is:

Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services

PO Box 15075 Lynn East

Pretoria, Gauteng 0039

South Africa

Add us to your address book


THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.

373 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

header.all-comments


bottom of page