Hundreds of people celebrated World Mental Health Day at Thohoyandou Stadium on Thursday last week.

Although the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Chabalala Msimang, did not make it to the function, due to illness, the function went on smoothly with Limpopo’s MEC for Health, Seaparo Sekoati, delivering the keynote address. Sekoati said this year’s campaign on mental illness and suicide sends a powerful message to counter the all-too-often-held perception that mental illnesses are a secondary health concern that can be delayed until more immediate and pressing health care issues have been addressed.

"The relevance of this theme to the current situation cannot be overemphasized. How many of us have lost a loved one, friend or relative through his/her taking their own life? How many times when we read newspapers or listen to radios and television do we hear of a young person who had decided to end his or her life? This happens quite frequently during this period when learners are experiencing pressures from exams and unrealistically high family expectations. We also hear of more and more incidents of wife or husband killing his entire family and then turning the gun on herself or himself."

Sekoati said suicide is often a consequence of society’s failing to recognize and treat serious mental illnesses, such as depression and schizophrenia. He added that the Department of Health wishes to advise that suicide should not be accepted as the answer to mental problems. Sekoati also warned about the dangers of depression: "Depression is a very common mental health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that 121 million people currently suffer from depression with 5,8% of men and 9,5% of women experiencing a depressive episode in any given year. In light of these high rates of depression, it is a cause for concern that mood disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions associated with suicide. It is therefore crucial that those suffering from depression seek effective treatment that addresses both depression and the tendency towards suicide."

He added that there is a strong need for intensified and coordinated action in order to prevent suicide in the many contexts within which it occurs. "Many people need to be aware of the signs and symptoms of suicidal behaviour and we should identify individuals suffering not only from mental disorders, but also from drug and alcohol abuse early."