An 18 August a confession posted on Facebook’s Rhodes Confessions page read that a student had tried to commit suicide the day before.
An 18 August a confession posted on Facebook’s Rhodes Confessions page read that a student had tried to commit suicide the day before.
It is an unconfirmed incident but the post said: “I already had the suicide note written out, and the rope was tied to the door handle of my cupboard.” It ended with: “I realised this was pointless, so I took my head out and cried myself to sleep.”
Comments on the post revealed that most students are sympathetic and supportive of others suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts.
The World Health Organisation cites global figures which suggest that a suicide occurs every 40 seconds somewhere in the world and that attempts are made every three seconds. In 2004 IOL News reported: “At least one suicide is committed every hour in South Africa, and 20 more unsuccessful attempts are made in the same time span.”
The report also found that suicide rose by 48% from 1994 to 2004.
According to psychologists, South Africa’s current rate remains high, increasingly affecting younger people. According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, hanging is the most common method of suicide, followed by shooting, gassing and burning. The group reports that for the past 15 years the suicide rate of children between 10 and 14 has more than doubled.
Rhodes allows students who have attempted suicide the opportunity to apply for an Aegrotat examination or to recover at home, provided that they have medical certification and see a psychologist.
Students who leave under such conditions are granted re-entry when they are better. Dean of Students Prof Vivian De Klerk declined to comment on the Rhodes’s suicide situation, calling it a “highly sensitive and confidential topic”. She also said, “I personally do not feel that it is an appropriate topic for Grocott’s Mail.”
Manager of Student Wellness Dr Colleen Vassiliou agrees with De Klerk’s silence on the subject, citing “many ethical considerations” on the topic.
The comprehensive Dean of Student’s Policy on Suicide states: “The University will endeavour to do all that can be reasonably expected to prevent a student from ending his or her life.” The policy also states, “Students who are very distressed are obliged to seek psychological or psychiatric treatment.”
The Counselling Centre operates an after-hours psychological emergency number during term to make psychologists available in emergencies. Community members can seek help from the Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.
