The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is stepping up efforts to tackle teen suicide by taking prevention programmes directly into Gauteng classrooms.
Through its outreach initiative, “Teen Suicide Shouldn’t Be a Secret,” the organisation engages learners class by class and equips educators with the tools to spot warning signs and respond to students in crisis.
As Teen Suicide Prevention Week runs from 8 to 14 February, SADAG is sending a vital message to young people: “We are listening. Silalele. You are not alone.” The programme encourages teenagers to speak up, seek help early, and support friends struggling with depression, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.
In 2025 alone, SADAG’s School Outreach Team visited 94 high schools, reaching more than 75,300 learners and training over 2,160 educators. Learners consistently reported facing academic pressure, financial difficulties, overwhelming emotions, grief, and family challenges, issues that often go unnoticed, leaving teens to struggle in silence.
SADAG Project Manager Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha said many learners feel ignored by adults, leaving them isolated and less likely to speak up about their struggles.
“So many learners tell us that when they try to speak to adults about how they feel, their emotions are brushed aside or minimised. They feel misunderstood, unheard, and eventually, they stop trying to speak up.
“They begin to feel like they have no one to turn to when they feel overwhelmed or hopeless. This is why our theme ‘We Are Listening – Silalele’ is so important. We want teenagers to know that their feelings matter, their voices matter, and there are adults who are ready to listen and help,” she said.
The programme’s impact is evident in feedback from both educators and learners. A principal from Diepkloof said: “Some of the things mentioned were truly oblivious to us, both staff and learners, but from this day we will be a lot more sensitive to these signs and our capacity to notice and evaluate them promptly before the worst occurs.”
Another principal in Ekurhuleni added: “Equally important was the session with our educators. As caregivers and mentors, they often witness the silent struggles of their students but may not always know how to provide the right support. Your training equipped them with the knowledge and confidence to identify warning signs and intervene effectively.”
Learners also praised the programme, stating that it opened up discussions on topics often ignored. One learner said: “It was really nice to have someone talk about what most people don’t talk about.” Another added: “If you are depressed you must call the SADAG Team for help. They are always there for you, always available, and you can use any platform to contact them.”
This Teen Suicide Prevention Week, SADAG is urging parents, teachers, caregivers, and communities to truly listen to teenagers, without judgement, minimising, or assuming their struggles are “just a phase.” When young people feel heard, they are more likely to seek help before reaching a crisis.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7) at 0800 567 567.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za