South Africa
South Africans urged to speak up on World Suicide Prevention Day─── ZENANDE MPAME 15:59 Thu, 10 Sep 2026
As World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on Thursday (10/9), mental health organisations are urging South Africans to speak more openly about suicide, challenge stigma, and recognise when someone may be struggling.
The call comes as the 2026 campaign enters the final year of its Changing the Narrative on Suicide theme. Start the Conversation urges people to move beyond stigma and silence and create space for those experiencing emotional distress to speak and seek support.
The campaign aims to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and encourage compassionate conversations about suicide. It also calls for stronger public policies, evidence-based prevention strategies, and improved access to mental healthcare.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) has placed Every Conversation Counts at the centre of its 2026 suicide prevention campaign. Sadag call centre manager Tracy Feinstein says greater awareness of mental health over the past decade has helped people better understand the signs that someone may be struggling.
“We’re learning so much more about mental health, and we’re really learning to unpack what it means to struggle with your mental health,” said Feinstein. “Depression is more than just being sad or having tears. Isolation and not being able to manage normal day-to-day activities can also be warning signs.
“It’s important for a loved one, a good friend, or a colleague to reach out and say, I’m concerned about you. Are you okay? As human beings, we have an amazing ability to care. We need to be a little bit braver to ask someone how they are doing.”
Sometimes you can simply say: “I’m going to sit with you for a few minutes. I’m listening. I’m here to care. The important thing is, I can’t fix the problem, but I can support you.”
The campaign aims to challenge harmful myths, reduce stigma and encourage compassionate conversations about suicide. Photo: gov.za
The World Health Organisation estimates more than 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year, with young people particularly affected. Suicide was the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 in 2021.
In South Africa, Sadag reports approximately 23 suicides are recorded each day, alongside hundreds of serious suicide attempts.
The organisation has also highlighted the disproportionate impact on men, who are reported to be four times more likely to die by suicide than women.
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