Sad and speechless was how many readers reacted to last week’s front page story about a nine year old boy who committed suicide. This week Feedback talks suicide.

Save our Children:

Chris M via The Voice Website:

This country needs to protect children and they need to know that they can get help readily and that their problems can be solved by government officials without doubt or prejudice. This child would be alive if he knew how to access help when facing difficulties. There has to be public campaign to tell all kids about how to access help from government. This is shocking! An orphan having to take their own life at this age out of desperation. Really everyone failed this kid! Sickening shame!

Suicide Statistics

Although the lives of those who have committed suicide can not be reduced to mere statistics, the numbers tell a sad story. According to the World Health Organization the following stats paint disturbing trends worldwide in connection with the suicide scourge:

60% = increase of suicide rates over the last 45 years

40 seconds= 1 death via suicide every 40 seconds

1:20 ratio = for every single suicide death there are 20 suicide attempts

100 000 = number of adolescents committing suicide every year.

Warning Signs

Suicide Risk Questionnaire

Complete the questionnaire by ticking the box next to the statement (s) that apply to your situation to know if someone you know may be at risk of committing suicide.

Have you heard someone say:

□ Life isn’t worth living

□ My family would be better off without me

□ Next time I’ll take enough pills to do the job right

□ Take my (prized collection, valuables)–I don’t need this stuff anymore

□ I won’t be around to deal with that

□ You’ll be sorry when I’m gone

□ I won’t be in your way much longer

□ I just can’t deal with everything–life’s too hard

□ Nobody understands me–nobody feels the way I do

□ There’s nothing I can do to make it better

□ I’d be better off dead

□ I feel like there is no way out

Have you observed that person:

□ Getting affairs in order (paying off debts, changing a will)

□ Giving away articles of either personal or monetary value

□ Signs of planning a suicide such as obtaining a weapon or writing a suicide note

Interpretation: Any number of ticks to the above suggest that you know someone contemplating suicide.

(Source: www.stopasuicide.org)

Further risk assessment:

Has the person been depressive and/or exceptionally stressed (e.g  by abuse, financial trouble, relationship break-up) recently? □ Yes   □ No

Has the person told you he/she wants to commit suicide?

□ Yes   □ No

Does the person have a plan about how he/she will commit suicide? □  Yes   □ No

Does the person have assess to the means of committing suicide (e.g gun, ropes) □  Yes   □ No

Has the person previously attempted suicide?        □  Yes   □ No

Interpretation: If you answered yes to any one of the following, then that person is quite likely to be a suicide risk. A greater number of responses increase this likelihood. It is important to pay particular attention to whether the person has a plan and whether the person has assess to means of implementing that plan.

Where to get help

•  You are the first helper. Be there for that person without dismissing their cry for help but also get further help.
•  Psychology, Psychiatric and Social Work units at hospitals and clinics will assist
•  Non-government services:
  • University of Botswana Psychology Clinic: Tel: 313-2733, 355-4161/4157
  • Lifeline Botswana: Tel: 3911290
  • Childline Botswana: Tel: 390 0900
  • Churches
• Police