Teen suicide in South Africa: A real crisis

Globally, teen suicide is a leading cause of death among young people. There is a marked increase in suicide rates globally and in South Africa as new societal pressures present themselves. Research has shown that extended exposure to social media is contributing to these increasing rates of suicide in teens and pre-teens. We need to overcome the stigma of suicide and mental health by having more open conversations at school and at home. This will give us the opportunity to support the mental wellbeing of our country’s youth.

Suicides rarely happen without warning, and learning and recognising these signals is the most effective way to prevent suicide.

The South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP) has identified several complex and multifaceted factors.

Mental health issues like depression and anxiety
Socioeconomic challenges
Trauma and violence exposure
Substance abuse
Family and relationship problems
Academic and social pressures
Social media bullying, harassment, body shaming, and distorted reality perceptions

Tackling this issue requires a multi-pronged approach. Strategies include:

Awareness and education: Increasing awareness about mental health and suicide among teens, parents, educators, and the broader community.
Access to mental health services: Increasing the availability and accessibility of mental health services and considering private-public partnerships alongside government.
Support systems: Strengthening support systems in schools, churches, families, and communities to provide a safety net for at-risk teens.
Policy and advocacy: Encouraging government policies in schools that address mental health issues and suicide prevention.
Research and monitoring: Continuously monitoring the situation and researching to understand the evolving dynamics of teen suicide in South Africa.
Combating stigmatisation: Actively working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Educating the public to change perceptions and attitudes about mental illness and suicide, where seeking help is encouraged and supported.
Limiting social media: Research has shown that young adults who use social media are three times as likely to suffer from depression, putting a large portion of the population at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviours.
Educating risks of social media: Make teens aware of the various mental health challenges, including addictive behaviours, dependency, anxiety, loneliness, and sleep disturbances.

The high rate of teen suicide in South Africa is a public health emergency that requires immediate and sustained intervention.

For more detailed information, please refer to SASOP (www.sasop.co.za/teen-suicide).

Take any mention of suicide among teens seriously; whether it’s a direct statement or a hint in conversation, any talk of suicide should be reported immediately to a responsible adult, law enforcement or a healthcare professional. This vigilant approach can lead to timely intervention and potentially save lives. LifeAssist has emergency 24-hour support on 0800 060 026 should you be in a crisis.

Counsellors are also available to support you and your family telephonically or in person to help with anxiety, depression and mental health problems.
Get in touch now.

zara2024-01-31T15:17:41+00:00

Stand up to Bullying, for everyone’s sake

Bullying is an issue that can deeply affect our wellbeing, making it important to address it in a manner that promotes not only our own safety but also the wellbeing of the entire community. Standing up to bullies and encouraging reporting is a powerful way to combat this problem.

Here are some steps to help you be brave and deal with bullies effectively.

Recognise the Signs: Bullying often starts with subtle signs, like name-calling or exclusion. Recognising these signs early is essential. By acknowledging the problem, you take the first step towards addressing it.
Stay Calm: Bullies often feed off your emotional reactions. Taking deep breaths and maintaining composure can help you feel more in control.
Confide in Someone: Share your experiences with a trusted friend, family member, or teacher. Talking about it not only relieves your stress but also builds a support system.
Assertive Communication: When confronting a bully, use assertive communication. State how their actions make you feel and request that they stop. For example, say, “I feel hurt when you call me names. Please stop.”
Strength in Numbers: If you’re being bullied in a group, find friends who can stand with you. Bullies are less likely to target a united front.
Document Incidents: Keep a record of each bullying incident, including dates, times, locations, and any witnesses. This documentation can be invaluable if you need to report the bully to an authority.
Online Bullying: Cyberbullying is a growing concern. If you experience online bullying, block the bully and report the behaviour to the platform. Keep records of offensive messages or posts.
Self-care: Nurture your wellbeing by engaging in activities that help you relax and de-stress. Exercise, meditation, and hobbies can boost your confidence and resilience.
Educate Others: Share your experiences and educate others about the harmful effects of bullying. Awareness can help prevent future instances and encourage a culture of reporting.
Support and Encourage Others: Be a support system for those who are bullied. Encourage them to report and stand up for their wellbeing. Together, we can create a safer and more inclusive environment.
Seek Professional Help: If the bullying persists and causes severe emotional distress, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a counsellor or therapist.

Standing up to bullies and reporting their actions not only helps you but also contributes to the collective wellbeing of your community. By being brave and proactive, we can create a world where everyone feels safe and respected.

Managing bullying can be intimidating. If you need assistance to get perspective, a game plan and support for the trauma surrounding bullying. LifeAssist is a confidential service available at no charge to you or your family. Get in touch.

zara2023-10-30T15:26:04+00:00

Are you in an abusive relationship?

Enduring violence and abuse is an unwelcome reality for many individuals in South Africa. Gender-based violence constitutes a violation of human rights, a legal offence, demanding urgent eradication. We possess the power to effect change by taking a stand and vocalising our concerns.

What constitutes abuse?

Abuse encompasses various forms of harm, such as:

Physically or sexually harming someone’s body.
Subjecting an individual to insults or threats of violence.
Engaging in sexual harassment.
Humiliating and degrading someone, either at home or in public.
Exercising control over an individual’s finances.
Impeding one’s ability to secure or maintain employment or to connect with friends and family.
Stalking, which includes following or visiting someone without consent.
Jeopardising an individual’s health or wellbeing.
Monitoring phone calls and dictating one’s movements.

How to Get the Courage to Step Out of an Abusive Relationship

Leaving an abusive relationship is an immensely challenging and courageous step to take. Here are some practical steps and considerations to help individuals find the strength and support needed to break free from such toxic situations:

Recognise the Abuse: The first important step is to acknowledge that you are in an abusive relationship. This may involve seeking guidance from a therapist, counsellor, or a trusted friend who can provide an objective perspective.
Safety Planning: Plan your exit carefully. Ensure you have a safe place to go, and let someone you trust know about your plans.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can offer emotional support and a safe space to discuss your situation.
Legal Assistance: Depending on the situation, consult with legal professionals who can advise on issues like restraining orders, custody arrangements, and divorce.
Therapy and Counselling: Professional therapy can be incredibly helpful in understanding the root causes of the abusive relationship and in building emotional resilience.
Financial Independence: If possible, work towards financial independence. Having your own income can empower you to make choices without being financially reliant on the abuser.
Document the Abuse: Keep records of any incidents, injuries, or threatening messages. This documentation can be useful in legal proceedings.
Build a Support Network: Establish connections with organisations that specialise in helping abuse victims. They can provide invaluable resources and assistance.
Emotional Healing: Healing from the trauma of an abusive relationship is an ongoing process. Seek therapy and support groups to aid in your emotional recovery.
Remember Your Worth: Know that you deserve a life free from abuse and have the strength to overcome this situation.

Leaving an abusive relationship is a challenging journey, but it’s one that can lead to a brighter, safer future. By taking these steps and seeking the support you need, you can find the courage to step out of an abusive relationship and begin the process of healing and rebuilding your life.

If you or someone in your family needs support, please speak to a trauma counsellor at LifeAssist, so you can get the support that is needed.

Please also note these emergency numbers:

Gender-Based Violence Command Centre: Call 0800 428 428 or dial *120*7867#
Stop Gender Violence helpline: 0800 150 150
SAPS: 10111
Crime Stop: 0860 01 01 11
Childline: 116
Report any abuse of children and women to the Department of Social Development on 0800 220 250.
LifeLine 24-hour Crisis Helpline: 0861 322 322

If you’re a witness and afraid for your safety for reasons linked to being a witness, you can apply for witness protection. Contact the Witness Protection Unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on 012 845 6000.

zara2023-10-30T15:23:01+00:00

Supporting Someone Who is Suicidal: A Guideline for Empathy and Understanding

Supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts or considering self-harm requires compassion and empathy. It is important to recognise this is a serious situation that is best handled by qualified health professionals, but each of us can make a difference by showing care and understanding.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm:

Many reasons drive a person to such depths of despair including depression, broken-heartedness, a sense of failure, financial distress, addiction, or other mental health disorders. Suicide is seen as a last resort – taken by people who see no other solutions to their current situation. Suicide does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, gender, age or socioeconomic status may feel suicidal. Even someone who seems to “have it all” can be vulnerable.

The first thing we need to do is to move away from the stigma of blame and shame. It is not our place to judge others, but to recognise that the person is experiencing a real mental health crisis, and make ourselves available for them to safely confide in us so that we can help them to get the help they need.

Identifying Common Warning Signs: Recognising warning signs of suicidal thoughts or self-harm can help us be more attentive to those around us. Some common signs include:

Verbal Cues: Expressing feelings of hopelessness, talking about wanting to die or end their life, or mentioning specific plans or methods related to self-harm.
Emotional Changes: Sudden and intense mood swings, persistent sadness, anxiety, or anger.
Behavioural Changes: Engaging in self-destructive behaviours, such as increased substance abuse or recklessness, withdrawing from social activities, or displaying changes in sleep and appetite patterns.
Social Isolation: Withdrawing from relationships and social interactions, avoiding activities they once enjoyed, or expressing feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Giving Away Belongings: Unusual acts of giving away personal possessions, making final arrangements, or saying goodbye to loved ones.

Approaching the Situation: When someone reaches out to you and discloses their suicidal thoughts or a desire for self-harm, providing a safe and supportive environment is essential. Here are some guidelines to follow:

General Guidelines

Always take the possibility of suicide seriously.
Always respond immediately.
Never handle a suicidal situation on your own.
Never put yourself in any kind of danger.
Only do what you are able to, and always get support for yourself.

Encourage Professional Help: It’s critical to emphasise the importance of seeking professional help. Suggest contacting mental health experts, helplines, or emergency services for immediate assistance. Offer to assist them in finding appropriate resources and making appointments. Encourage them to contact LifeAssist.
Safety Planning: If the person is at immediate risk, contact LifeAssist and guide them to create a simple plan that includes strategies for managing the immediate next steps. Help them to identify supportive individuals (family, friends etc) or helplines they can reach out to.
Listen Non-Judgmentally: It is OK to talk about suicide openly and directly. Offer your full attention, empathy, and support. Allow them to express their feelings openly and without fear of being judged.
Express Concern and Care: Let them know that you genuinely care about their wellbeing and that you are there to support them. Avoid minimising their feelings or offering simplistic solutions.
Emphasise the temporary nature of the person’s problem: Explain how the crisis will pass in time and that these feelings are temporary.
Maintain Regular Contact: Stay connected with the person and regularly check in on their wellbeing. Let them know that they are not alone and that you are there to provide support. Encourage them to reach out to you whenever they need someone to talk to.

Remember that you are not expected to be a mental health professional, but by offering support and encouraging them to seek professional help, you can play a crucial role in their journey towards recovery. Together, we can foster a society that promotes mental health awareness and aims to provide the help that those in distress genuinely need.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or worried about someone you care about, call LifeAssist to speak to a professional counsellor for guidance. The service is 100% confidential and available at no cost to employees and their immediate families.

zara2023-07-03T07:55:30+00:00

Safeguarding our youth against drug abuse

Substance abuse among youth is a growing concern that demands our collective attention. According to the World Drug Report 2022, more young people are using drugs compared with previous generations. The population most at risk of using drugs, young people aged 15–34, is projected to grow in the next decade.

It is crucial to take action to protect our youth and create a safer future for them; here’s what you can do:

Education and Awareness: One of the most effective ways to combat substance abuse is through education and awareness campaigns. By increasing knowledge about the dangers of drugs, their consequences, and available resources, we empower young individuals to make informed decisions.
Open Communication: Establishing open lines of communication with young people is vital. Encourage dialogue and create a safe space for them to express their thoughts, concerns, and experiences without fear of judgment. By fostering trusting relationships, we can create an environment where youth feel comfortable discussing their struggles and seeking help when needed.
Supportive Peer Networks: Positive peer influence plays a significant role in preventing substance abuse. Engaging in sports, art, volunteering, religious youth groups, or other constructive endeavours within supportive networks, can help young people develop a sense of purpose.
Mentorship Programs: Establish or support mentorship programmes that pair responsible adults with at-risk youth. They can provide guidance and support, and act as positive role models, helping young individuals navigate challenges and resist the temptations of substance abuse.
Strengthening Family Bonds: Spend quality time with your children to build strong emotional connections. Families should prioritise open communication, express care and concern, and educate their children about drug risks and consequences.

If you suspect someone may be struggling with addiction, it is important to approach the situation with care and concern. Here are some steps to take:

Observe and gather information: Pay attention to the person’s behaviour, physical appearance, and any noticeable changes. Note any specific signs or symptoms that raise suspicion.
Express concern: Approach the individual in a non-judgmental and supportive manner. Express your concern for their well-being and offer to listen or help if needed.
Encourage professional help: Suggest seeking professional assistance from a school or community leader, a health counsellor, or a substance abuse programme. Provide them with information on available resources and treatment options.
Involve trusted adults: If the person is a minor, inform their parents, guardians, or school authorities about your concerns. Collaboration among responsible adults can ensure the young individual receives appropriate support.
Maintain confidentiality: Respect the individual’s privacy, especially if they confide in you. Seek guidance on how to handle the situation without violating their trust.

Together, we can make a significant impact in safeguarding our youth and ensuring a brighter future free from the grip of substance abuse. If you are worried about a loved one struggling with addiction, contact LifeAssist for counselling and guidance.

zara2023-05-31T12:34:15+00:00

Recovering from an abusive relationship

To live an independent life that is free from fear, it’s important that you take time for healing after leaving an abusive relationship to repair the damage to your self-worth and confidence. Being physically free from your abuser is just the first step. It can take much longer to feel emotionally free, but with the right support and patience, this is possible.

Perspective

Abuse is always the fault of the perpetrator, but many people blame themselves for allowing the abuse to happen, for not getting away sooner, or for the impact on the children. Accept that you weren’t to blame. Abuse is about power and force and nothing you could have done would have made any difference. Acknowledge that your courage has brought you to a place of healing.

Process and Accept your feelings

The damage caused by domestic abuse can be deep and long-lasting. Many survivors often show similar symptoms to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) sufferers. Distressing memories, flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression can impact your quality of life long after the actual threat of abuse has gone.

All emotions, from feeling free and empowered to feeling lonely and missing your ex, are completely normal. Therapy can teach you helpful coping skills and offer emotional support during the recovery process. Journaling is also a great way to process your emotions, a safe space to reflect on your growth as time passes.

Look after yourself

Prioritise self-care and self-love so that you don’t find yourself in another abusive relationship.

Engage in hobbies and do things you used to love and were good at. Focus on things that build your confidence and help you regain emotional balance. You deserve it.
Take time and space for yourself each day and find ways to reward yourself.
Exercise regularly and practice relaxation techniques.
Learn a new skill, such as painting or self-defence.

Educate yourself about abuse

Learning about abuse can prevent you from similar situations in the future. Study the signs of abuse, why people fall in love with abusive partners and remain in unhealthy relationships, the potential barriers to leaving, and how abuse confronts us in different areas of life.

Build a strong support system

You’re not alone. A strong support system can include family, friends, a therapist, coach, personal trainer, and a support group. Very often someone in an abusive relationship becomes isolated from friends and family. Reconnect with them if you can or make new friends to rebuild your sense of self.

For therapeutic support, call Life Assist, at no cost to you or your family. Your health and well-being matters!

zara2022-10-31T06:34:01+00:00

Armour yourself against workplace harassment/bullying

What is bullying?

Bullying usually involves physical or verbal violence that could psychologically or ‘mentally’ hurt or isolate you in the workplace. This impacts your confidence and can cause mental or physical health problems. It is usually done to someone in a less senior position.

Bullying can be face-to-face, in writing, over the phone or by social media or email, and occurs repeatedly, over a period of time. Some indications that you may be bullied:

You are unfairly blocked from leave, promotion, or denied training opportunities
intentionally excluded or isolated
responsibilities are removed without cause or you are underworked, creating feelings of uselessness
given impossible deadlines or pressure that set you up to fail
your opinions are belittled
you are physically or verbally abused
yelled at or criticized constantly
blamed for problems caused by others
humiliated in front of colleagues
regularly threatened
gossiped about

If you are not sure whether an action or statement could be considered bullying, you can use the “reasonable person” test by asking the question: Would most people consider the action unacceptable?

What should you do?

Keep a written record or diary: Write down details of every incident and keep copies of any relevant documents.
Discuss the situation with someone you trust. Sometimes what feels like bullying may not be. For example, you may be overwhelmed by work due to a change in organisational processes, and with the right kind of support, the problem may be resolved.
Try to solve the issue informally by talking to the bully directly, or get someone to do so on your behalf. Decide what to say beforehand. Describe what’s been happening and why you object to it. Stay calm and polite; and avoid yelling or threatening the person yourself or you may end up looking like the bully.
If the behaviour does not change, make a formal complaint through HR who will support you in this process. If you are worried that you may be further bullied by lodging a formal grievance, or are afraid to do so if your boss is the bully, please share your concerns with HR or Life Assist who will guide you.
The important thing is to believe in yourself and your worth. Every company in SA has a duty of care to their employees and you have a right to work in a bully-free, safe, and productive environment.

LifeAssist does not get involved in labour law, or mediate on your behalf, but can support you emotionally and confidentially.

zara2022-09-30T07:43:20+00:00

South Africa has one of the highest gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) rates in the world. While the country has many laws that should, in theory, protect women from abuse and offer them protection and justice when they are victimised, the reality on the ground is much different.

REBECCA SIBANDA – Human Rights Lawyer explains

(listen to the podcasts)

Introduction of the new laws

The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act

The Domestic Violence Amendment Act

South Africa Passes Important Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Laws

To strengthen the country’s efforts in fighting GBVF, on the 28^th of January 2022, South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa signed three GBVF bills into law. These laws are the Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Bill, the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Bill and the Domestic Violence Amendment Bill. As their names suggest, these Bills are updated versions of the originals.

The passing of these laws is a positive sign for South African women and children – the groups most vulnerable to abuse and femicide. These amendments are more victim centred and were created to provide better and more effective protection for victims of GBVF. They were first introduced in Parliament in 2020 in response to public demand that the government and police start taking GBVF cases more seriously. This is especially after the horrible rape and murder of University of Cape Town student, Uyinene Mrwetyana in August 2019, by a South African Post Office employee.

So, what exactly do these new laws change?

The Criminal and Related Matters Amendment Act

This law comes in response to public outcry against accused offenders being granted bail too easily, and perpetrators only serving minimum sentences for serious crimes. Basically, the law makes it more difficult for abusers to escape punishment.
Now, people accused of GBVF will only be granted bail under exceptional circumstances. If these requirements are met, the court must consider a number of factors before granting bail, including whether or not the victim would feel safe with the decision. Also, the victim will be heard by the court before bail is decided – something that did not happen before.
This law aims to address GBVF and offences committed against vulnerable people and provides for additional procedures to reduce secondary victimisation of vulnerable individuals in court proceedings.
For example, someone can give evidence on behalf of a victim or through audio-visual links in some cases.

The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act – improve the country’s prevention of sex crimes

Among other key changes, this Act introduces a new offence of sexual intimidation. This means that if you are threatened by someone’s behaviour, verbally or otherwise, you can report it and pursue legal action.
It also expands the list of people who must be protected to include more vulnerable people, like people with physical, mental or intellectual disabilities and those over 60 years of age who, for example, receive community-based care and support services.
The Act addresses paedophiles by increasing the reporting duty of those who suspect that a child is the victim of a sexual offence.
Finally, it extends the scope of the National Register for Sex Offenders to include the details (name, address) of all sex offenders and not just those who hurt children and persons with mental disabilities.
Before a sex offender’s details can be removed from the Register, they must remain on it for 20 years.

The Domestic Violence Amendment Act

This law expands the definition of domestic violence to include victims of assault while engaged or dating. People in customary relationships, and those in actual or perceived romantic, intimate, or sexual relationships regardless of their length are also protected by this law. This means that if you are hurt by someone who you’ve been casually dating, or have been married to for years, you would be able to make a case against them under the Domestic Violence Act.
This extended definition would also include older citizens who have been abused by family members.
It also includes new definitions, such as ‘controlling behaviour’ and ‘coercive behaviour’, and expands existing definitions, such as “domestic violence”, to include spiritual abuse, elder abuse, and/or exposing/subjecting children to certain of listed behaviours.
A critical change for victims is that women can now apply for protection orders 24-hours a day. Also, victims don’t have to be physically present in court when a magistrate grants an interim protection order. The Act also introduces online applications for protection orders against acts of domestic violence. The order will then be sent to the accused via email.
The protection order would also be added to a central digital depository that houses other orders and cases made against the same person. Although the online protection order process would be a game changer, it’s important to note that it may not serve everyone fairly, as it relies heavily on whether or not you have the resources to apply for an order online – e.g., access to the internet.
In addition, it imposes obligations on functionaries in the Departments of Health and Social Development to provide certain services to victims of domestic violence.

The passing of these new laws should make it more difficult for perpetrators to evade justice, and for victims to have access to true justice. It remains to be seen whether those charged with enforcing these laws will execute their responsibilities as they should.

zara2022-02-11T09:38:20+00:00

16 Days of Activism: Be a part of the solution

From 25 November to 10 December, the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, will be taking place in South Africa. While the campaign itself runs for 16 days a year, the aim is to help people live their lives free of violence all year round.

Concerns around gender-based violence (GBV) and the abuse of children have escalated around the country during the prolonged lockdown period, associated to the Covid pandemic. This highlights just how crucial it is for all South Africans to actively work together to tackle the problem.

GBV Issues Exacerbated by Lockdown Measures

South African households have been under extreme pressure since the start of the pandemic, facing issues like loss of income and job insecurity. This means that many women and children found themselves stuck in troubled home environments during Level 5 lockdown in 2020.

Within the first week of lockdown in 2020, the South African Police Service (SAPS) reportedly received 2,300 calls nationally, requesting help related to gender-based violence.

Different Types of Abuse

Abuse can be more than just physical violence. Women and children in abusive households may also experience verbal, emotional or financial abuse. Neglect is also a form of abuse that specifically affects children. Some examples include:

Verbal abuse: Threats, insults, yelling or screaming, bullying and name-calling.
Emotional abuse: Gaslighting, isolating/restricting communication with others, coercion, stalking and excessively controlling behaviour.
Financial abuse: Restricting access to finances, hiding or stealing financial resources, lying about money, sabotaging work opportunities, using finances as a means of control.
Neglect: Not meeting a child’s basic needs – this includes physical, emotional, educational or medical needs.

Recognising Signs of Abuse

Be part of the solution by speaking up for those who need help. Here are a few common signs of abuse to watch out for in children:

Unexplained injuries
Sudden changes in behaviour
Depression
Low self-esteem
Withdrawing from friends and social activities
Problems with emotional development
Inappropriate interactions with other children

Break the Cycle of Violence: Ask Yourself Some Tough Questions

As a country, we need to support 365 days a year against abuse and violence. We need to hold ourselves and others accountable. This goes beyond wearing white ribbons and supporting local NGOs – it also means taking an honest look at your own behaviour and asking yourself some difficult questions.

Do you struggle to control your temper?
Do you have healthy ways to deal with feelings of anger, or do you lash out at those close to you?
Have you ever acted in an abusive way because of your own frustrations and anger?
Do you need to speak to a professional counsellor about how to manage your feelings in a healthier way?
Have you looked the other way when you noticed someone else acting in an abusive way?

If you need help or you know somebody else who needs help, call the Stop Gender-Based Violence helpline on 0800 150 150 or Childline on 116. You can also contact the LifeAssist Helpline for assistance, advice and counselling. All information will be treated as 100% confidential.

zara2021-11-01T11:10:03+00:00

Trauma Trends during the COVID-19 Lockdown in South Africa

At the start of South Africa’s nationwide lockdown in 2020, a ban on buying alcohol was introduced. During this time, the admission of patients to hospital trauma wards decreased significantly.

The Link between Alcohol, Accidents and Injuries

Drinking alcohol occasionally and in moderation is not a problem, as long as you drink responsibly. However, many recent medical studies have shown how alcohol abuse is putting a strain on the country’s health care system at this crucial time.

Alcohol is a major risk factor for accidental injuries, intentional injuries, and trauma-related deaths.

Did You Know? 90% of road traffic accidents among people aged 20-39 years old are caused by alcohol use.

Because of the alcohol ban, hospitals around the country had more available beds and resources to help treat people affected by the COVID-19 virus. In fact, a recent study found that the Level 5 lockdown with a full ban on alcohol sales reduced unnatural deaths by about half (49.4%) a week.

Top Tips for Drinking Responsibly

Here are some tips to help encourage more responsible drinking habits.

Don’t exceed the recommended alcohol limit. The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa recommends not more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink per day for women.
When drinking, stay properly hydrated by drinking one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume.
Mix your drinks in a tall glass with lots of ice, to make them last longer and add more water content.
When drinking spirits, always choose single measures instead of doubles.
Don’t allow underage friends or family members (under the age of 18) to drink alcohol.
Never drink and drive, and never get in a vehicle with someone who has been drinking.

If you think you or someone you care about may have a drinking problem, speak up. Contact the YLA helpline for advice, or speak to a health care professional for assistance.

zara2021-09-28T07:42:11+00:00

Your Wellness – Trauma

South Africa Passes Important Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Laws