Date: 13/09/2005
Source: Department of Health
Title: Tshabalala-Msimang: World Congress of International Association for Suicide Prevention
Speech by the Minister of Health, M Tshabalala-Msimang, at the 23rd World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, Durban
Chairperson
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is a great honour for me to be invited to speak at this important event.
Suicide is a form of self inflicted violence. It is a complex phenomenon that has attracted the attention of philosophers, theologians, physicians, psychologists, sociologists and artists over centuries. For a suicidal person generally, death is not the attraction, but an escape from an unbearable psychological anguish is what is wanted. As a serious public health problem suicide demands our attention. The reality though is that prevention and control, unfortunately, are not easy tasks in this regard.
There are several myths surrounding suicide. In many parts of the world, suicide is stigmatised, condemned for religious or cultural reasons. In some countries, suicidal behaviour is a criminal offence punishable by law. Suicide is seen as a secret act surrounded by taboo, and may be un-recognised, misclassified or deliberately hidden in official records of death.
According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is the 13th leading cause of death. Among those aged 15 to 44 years, self-inflicted injuries are the fourth leading causes of ill-health and disability. Suicide rates are higher among men than women. On average it appears that there are about three male suicides for every female case with the exception of older men who tend to have even higher figures.
According to the South African National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey conducted in 2002, suicide appears to be more common among young people, with almost half (46.5%) of the suicides involving young adults between 20 to 34 years. The most common method used to commit suicide is hanging followed by the use of a firearm.
Risk factors for suicide include alcohol or drug use, history of physical or sexual abuse, psychiatric problems such as depression and other mood disorders and hopelessness. Stressful circumstances such as poverty, loss of loved ones, arguments with friends or family, a breakdown in relationships, work related problems, economic problems and social isolation are some of the contributing factors.
Studies have revealed that up to 80% of people who committed suicide had several depressive symptoms. The tendency to commit suicide can be reduced if depression and anxiety are treated.
Physical illnesses, particularly those that are terminal, painful or disabling, are also important factors.
Additional factors in South African society, which may affect suicidal behaviour, are socio-economic difficulties, family violence, dysfunctional stress perceptions and unrealistic expectations.
The prevention of suicide, whilst feasible, involves a whole series of activities, ranging from the provision of the best possible conditions for the up bringing of our children and youth, through the effective treatment of mental disorders, to the effective control of environmental risk factors such as poverty reduction and socio-economic development.
A number of factors that appear to protect people against suicide include high self-esteem, having social support and having a stable and happy relationship with those around you. Early diagnosis of depression, accurate evaluation of suicidal thinking and limiting peoples’ access to lethal agents such as firearms, alcohol and drugs are some steps that can be taken to prevent suicide.
The Department of Health is intervening in dealing with the challenge of drugs and alcohol abuse within our communities. We are interacting with the Department of Trade Industry in finalising the regulations on the promotion of alcohol products. We want to ensure that our children are not exposed to alcohol promotion and that the general population is aware of the negative consequences of irresponsible use of alcohol.
Restricting access to means such as weapons and lethal medications can reduce the rates of suicide. In this regard, Government is making significant progress in implementing the Firearms Control Act including the collection of thousands of illegal firearms during the amnesty period earlier this year. The reduction in the number of firearms in circulation amongst our communities will contribute significantly in reducing trauma cases including suicides.
The Department of Health has prioritised suicide prevention especially among the youth. In collaboration with the Department of Education a suicide prevention pilot study was undertaken in the Free State province in 2002. The aim was to empower educators and learners to understand suicide and to help someone who is suicidal by referring him or her to a relevant mental health facility. This involved the establishment of crisis teams to respond to learners at risk and also network with relevant referral facilities within the province.
The results showed a great improvement among educators and learners in the understanding of the suicide phenomenon and how they can assist learners at risk to prevent committing suicide. The Department is in the process of extending the study to more schools in the country.
Good mental health services are essential in reducing the occurrence of suicide. By strengthening primary health care and integrating mental health services into general health care, it becomes possible to identify people at risk, provide counselling, treatment or referral for those people who are depressed or have experience overwhelming traumatic experiences.
It is also essential that we create public awareness on how to recognise the danger signs of distress and depression, so that friends, peers or work colleagues can identify people at risk. Certain developmental stages increase the likelihood of suicide. Parents and teachers must be encouraged to lookout for changes in behaviour and mood of adolescents and more especially those that have gone through major family or personal disruptions.
In another endeavour to rise to this challenge, the Department of Health piloted a suicide toll-free line in the country. Efforts are being made to extend and integrate the reach of this service, so that all those in need of the service can benefit.
Due to the diversity of causal factors and strategies for intervention, suicide prevention requires collaboration from various sectors both public and private. But there is hope! A diagnosis and appropriate management of underlying psychopathology such as depression is of utmost importance.
Suicide prevention efforts need a multi-disciplinary approach in order to succeed. We hope this congress will assist us in sharing experiences on various interventions that have been effective. We need to live up to the theme for this congress, which is – Preventing Suicidal Behaviour in Diverse Cultures – and come up with concrete proposals as to how we can reduce prevent suicide and reduce its impact in our health systems.
I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Issued by: Department of Health
13 September 2005
Source: Department of Health
Title: Tshabalala-Msimang: World Congress of International Association for Suicide Prevention
Speech by the Minister of Health, M Tshabalala-Msimang, at the 23rd World Congress of the International Association for Suicide Prevention, Durban
Chairperson
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen
It is a great honour for me to be invited to speak at this important event.
Suicide is a form of self inflicted violence. It is a complex phenomenon that has attracted the attention of philosophers, theologians, physicians, psychologists, sociologists and artists over centuries. For a suicidal person generally, death is not the attraction, but an escape from an unbearable psychological anguish is what is wanted. As a serious public health problem suicide demands our attention. The reality though is that prevention and control, unfortunately, are not easy tasks in this regard.
There are several myths surrounding suicide. In many parts of the world, suicide is stigmatised, condemned for religious or cultural reasons. In some countries, suicidal behaviour is a criminal offence punishable by law. Suicide is seen as a secret act surrounded by taboo, and may be un-recognised, misclassified or deliberately hidden in official records of death.
According to the World Health Organisation, suicide is the 13th leading cause of death. Among those aged 15 to 44 years, self-inflicted injuries are the fourth leading causes of ill-health and disability. Suicide rates are higher among men than women. On average it appears that there are about three male suicides for every female case with the exception of older men who tend to have even higher figures.
According to the South African National Youth Risk Behaviour Survey conducted in 2002, suicide appears to be more common among young people, with almost half (46.5%) of the suicides involving young adults between 20 to 34 years. The most common method used to commit suicide is hanging followed by the use of a firearm.
Risk factors for suicide include alcohol or drug use, history of physical or sexual abuse, psychiatric problems such as depression and other mood disorders and hopelessness. Stressful circumstances such as poverty, loss of loved ones, arguments with friends or family, a breakdown in relationships, work related problems, economic problems and social isolation are some of the contributing factors.
Studies have revealed that up to 80% of people who committed suicide had several depressive symptoms. The tendency to commit suicide can be reduced if depression and anxiety are treated.
Physical illnesses, particularly those that are terminal, painful or disabling, are also important factors.
Additional factors in South African society, which may affect suicidal behaviour, are socio-economic difficulties, family violence, dysfunctional stress perceptions and unrealistic expectations.
The prevention of suicide, whilst feasible, involves a whole series of activities, ranging from the provision of the best possible conditions for the up bringing of our children and youth, through the effective treatment of mental disorders, to the effective control of environmental risk factors such as poverty reduction and socio-economic development.
A number of factors that appear to protect people against suicide include high self-esteem, having social support and having a stable and happy relationship with those around you. Early diagnosis of depression, accurate evaluation of suicidal thinking and limiting peoples’ access to lethal agents such as firearms, alcohol and drugs are some steps that can be taken to prevent suicide.
The Department of Health is intervening in dealing with the challenge of drugs and alcohol abuse within our communities. We are interacting with the Department of Trade Industry in finalising the regulations on the promotion of alcohol products. We want to ensure that our children are not exposed to alcohol promotion and that the general population is aware of the negative consequences of irresponsible use of alcohol.
Restricting access to means such as weapons and lethal medications can reduce the rates of suicide. In this regard, Government is making significant progress in implementing the Firearms Control Act including the collection of thousands of illegal firearms during the amnesty period earlier this year. The reduction in the number of firearms in circulation amongst our communities will contribute significantly in reducing trauma cases including suicides.
The Department of Health has prioritised suicide prevention especially among the youth. In collaboration with the Department of Education a suicide prevention pilot study was undertaken in the Free State province in 2002. The aim was to empower educators and learners to understand suicide and to help someone who is suicidal by referring him or her to a relevant mental health facility. This involved the establishment of crisis teams to respond to learners at risk and also network with relevant referral facilities within the province.
The results showed a great improvement among educators and learners in the understanding of the suicide phenomenon and how they can assist learners at risk to prevent committing suicide. The Department is in the process of extending the study to more schools in the country.
Good mental health services are essential in reducing the occurrence of suicide. By strengthening primary health care and integrating mental health services into general health care, it becomes possible to identify people at risk, provide counselling, treatment or referral for those people who are depressed or have experience overwhelming traumatic experiences.
It is also essential that we create public awareness on how to recognise the danger signs of distress and depression, so that friends, peers or work colleagues can identify people at risk. Certain developmental stages increase the likelihood of suicide. Parents and teachers must be encouraged to lookout for changes in behaviour and mood of adolescents and more especially those that have gone through major family or personal disruptions.
In another endeavour to rise to this challenge, the Department of Health piloted a suicide toll-free line in the country. Efforts are being made to extend and integrate the reach of this service, so that all those in need of the service can benefit.
Due to the diversity of causal factors and strategies for intervention, suicide prevention requires collaboration from various sectors both public and private. But there is hope! A diagnosis and appropriate management of underlying psychopathology such as depression is of utmost importance.
Suicide prevention efforts need a multi-disciplinary approach in order to succeed. We hope this congress will assist us in sharing experiences on various interventions that have been effective. We need to live up to the theme for this congress, which is – Preventing Suicidal Behaviour in Diverse Cultures – and come up with concrete proposals as to how we can reduce prevent suicide and reduce its impact in our health systems.
I wish you fruitful deliberations.
Issued by: Department of Health
13 September 2005
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