Addressing teen suicide: Breaking the silence on mental health

As Teen Suicide Prevention Week takes place from Sunday, February 8, to Saturday, February 14, communities across Cape Town are being urged to confront the growing mental health challenges facing adolescents and to play an active role in supporting young people before a crisis occurs.

The Community Intervention Centre (CIC) in Table View said it was seeing a concerning rise in emotional distress among teenagers, driven by a combination of social, academic, and personal pressures.

“CIC is seeing a significant increase in anxiety, depression, and emotional distress among teenagers,” said Daphne O’Reilly, spokesperson for the CIC.

 “Social media pressure, academic stress, bullying, family instability, and uncertainty about the future are major contributing factors. Many teens report feeling isolated, despite being digitally connected.”

Ms O’Reilly said that teenagers are struggling with self-esteem, identity, and coping skills at a younger age than in previous generations, a trend reflected in national statistics. 

“In South Africa, one in ten teenage deaths is due to suicide, and research suggests that up to 20 per cent of high school learners have attempted to take their own lives,” she said.

Teen Suicide Prevention Week provides an opportunity to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to encourage open conversations within families, schools and communities.

“This week creates an important space to start conversations and remind young people that help is available. When families, schools and communities are engaged, young people are more likely to seek support before reaching a crisis point,” she said.

Parents, caregivers and educators are encouraged to remain alert to warning signs that may indicate a teenager is struggling. 

These can include noticeable changes in mood or behaviour, withdrawal from friends or activities, declining academic performance, increased irritability, changes in sleep or eating patterns, expressions of hopelessness, or talking about feeling like a burden. 

Any mention of self-harm or suicide, whether direct or indirect, should always be taken seriously and addressed immediately.

CIC said that prevention is not the responsibility of professionals alone. 

Community members are encouraged to check in on teenagers, listen without judgement and help connect them to appropriate support. 

“Creating safe spaces, promoting mental health education and supporting youth-based programmes all contribute to prevention. Even one caring adult can make a life-saving difference,” said Ms O’Reilly.

The organisation offers crisis support, mental health education workshops, peer support programmes, referrals to professional services and ongoing emotional support for young people and their families.

 “Our goal is to meet teens where they are,” Ms O’Reilly said. 

Teenagers who are struggling are encouraged to reach out to trusted adults, school counsellors, or organisations such as the CIC. 

“Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Our services are confidential and designed to ensure young people feel safe, respected, and not judged,” she said.

During Teen Suicide Prevention Week, the CIC is hosting awareness activities, educational sessions, and outreach initiatives focused on promoting mental wellbeing, reducing stigma and sharing resources with teenagers, families, schools,s and the wider community.

Ms O’Reilly said the CIC’s message to young people remains one of hope: “You are not alone, even when it feels like you are. What you’re feeling matters, and help is available. You deserve support, understanding, and hope, and there are people who truly care and want to listen.”

Anyone in need of support can contact the CIC’s 24-hour helpline on 082 821 3447 or visit www.communityinterventioncentre.co.za

Find Tabletalk on TikTok and Instagram @ccmonlineza