Cautiously Optimistic Podcast
Cautiously Optimistic Podcast
Cautiously Optimistic Podcast
Episode Two Part Two: Student Suicides in Universities
40 minutes Posted Oct 4, 2018 at 8:13 am.
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Show notes
Welcome back to the @tstfpodcast. First off trigger warning for the subject matter. On this episode Amo and Ayandamantombazana discuss the recent spikes in Student Suicides in South African Universities. Suicides on university campuses in South Africa are not something out of the norm, these cases are not novel. Are University of blame for the lack the suicide rates on campuses? Why do students elect to die by suicide? What is the experience of the black university student? How does one decides that enough is enough, how do you put your mental health a priority over your academics when the first thing that comes to mind is how your parents will complain about losing their money over nothing?
Resources
Suicide Crisis Line: You can contact them on 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.
SADAG: The South African Depression and Anxiety Group offers free and confidential counselling. Their toll free number is 0800 212 223.
Lifeline: A 24-hour crisis centre offering free and confidential counselling in all areas. Reachable on 0861 322 322.
Students who are not sure if their symptoms should be a concern can fill in self-screening questionnaires on SADAG's website.
Mental health is becoming an important topic on campuses. We are hearing more and more cases. We have to start talking about mental health and debunking all the myths about depression and suicide. We need to find out how many students are feeling anxious and in need of help. There are campuses counseling at all universities, many of the times students don’t know about any of the services. There’s also a stigma of having to go on campus for help. They fear that it might go on their academic record.
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Do you have a mental health story to share with us? Send an email to: [email protected]