Teen Suicide Prevention Week 09-16 February 2025 - Hope & Help: Raising Awareness
Hope & Help: Raising Awareness for Teen Suicide Prevention Week
Every day, we lose young lives to Suicide, yet every one of these tragedies is preventable.
As Teen Suicide Prevention Week (9 - 16 February) approaches, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is calling on schools, parents, and communities to create safe spaces where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to seek help.
This year, Teen Suicide Prevention Week centres around a powerful message:
"Your Feelings Matter, Let’s Talk.”
Teen Suicide is a needless tragedy, yet stigma and silence often prevent those in need from reaching out for help.
By encouraging open conversations, we can show teens that their feelings are valid, that they are not alone, and that support is always available.
“There is still a lot of stigma and fear around Suicide, many parents and teachers are afraid that if they talk about Suicide to teens it could cause them to take their life,”
said SADAG’s Board Vice Chairperson and Clinical Psychologist, Zamo Mbele.
“Research shows that talking about Suicide with a young person does not cause them to have thoughts of Suicide, or create a desire to end their lives. The danger comes from not talking about it, which can lead to thoughts about Suicide turning into actions.”
SADAG urges schools and communities to focus on creating safe, supportive environments where teens feel heard and understood. This year’s Teen Suicide Prevention Week encourages everyone to:
- Start a Conversation – Speak openly about Mental Health and fears they may have, breaking the stigma that keeps teens silent.
- Listen Without Judgment – Provide a safe space and place for teens to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism or dismissal.
- Recognise the Signs – Empower parents, teachers, and peers on the warning signs of Depression and Suicidal thoughts, ensuring their early intervention.
- Offer Help – Share resources like SADAG’s 24/7 Suicide Helpline (0800 567 567) so teens in crisis know where to turn to for free help.
Your Feelings Matter, Let’s Talk
_"Talking about how they feel is one of the most powerful ways to prevent Mental Health challenges from escalating,"
says SADAG Project Manager, Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha.
"We want every teen to know that their feelings matter, their voices matter, and help is just a conversation away."
