Teen Suicide Prevention Week is underway, and the Western Cape Government has encouraged adolescents to practice wellness to improve the quality of their life.
The Western Cape’s Health and Wellness Department says the ages 13 to 19 are times filled with changes and challenges, which include bullying, low self-esteem, family life and friendships.
It further urged young people between those ages, and people involved in young people, to make use of online and in-person support structures. Especially in an effort to help them navigate understanding their emotions.
The department’s youth counsellor for the Ravensmead, Ruyterwacht and Elsies River region, Zelah Dodgen, says engaging in healthy lifestyle choices and have someone trustworthy to speak to are important factors for the youth.
“Although speaking to children or adolescents about mental health challenges may evoke discomfort at times, it remains imperative to regularly acknowledge and engage them in conversation pertaining to their mental health, their challenges and their overall well-being. Doing this encourages and fosters open, non-judgmental and ongoing dialogue to discuss and address stressors in their lives, explore adaptive coping- skills, as well as promotes health-seeking behaviour.”
Guide to mental, emotional and physical well-being
The department listed several ways that foster a healthy mental, emotional and physical lifestyle. Having access to support being among the most important of them. It further noted that setting boundaries, finding healthy coping mechanisms, being aware of the qualities of a good friend and being aware of the social media use.
Access to support
Support can come in the form of a nurse, a friend, or a trusted source online. The department made a list of several online sources that young people can consider when needing someone to speak to.
- B-Wise: http://www.bwisehealth.com/ OR call 083 323 1023
The organisation provides insights to young people on the physical changes they experience during puberty, it also provides free counselling services.
- Safe Schools: 0800 45 46 47
The Western Cape Education Department’s Safe Schools programme is another forum that young people, or a concerned individual, can call if they need support
The department has also provided a directory of the facilities available to young people in distress.
For parents that are not sure of how to help their children, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund has compiled a list of way parents support their children, here.
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