AS the world commemorated World Suicide Day on 10 September, Daily Sun was reminded of the constant battles of mental health that continue to rob the lives of South Africans.
In the music industry alone, fans have witnessed several losses of their favourite entertainers.
Mzansi Celebs who took their own lives
Rapper, producer and hip-hop artist Rikhado "Riky Rick" Makhado lost his battle with mental illness on 23 February 2022.
This was in the same month during Youth and Men's Mental Health Month.
On 24 October 2018, iconic motswako rapper Jabulani Tsambo, famously known as Hip Hop Pantsula, died at the age of 38 by suspected suicide.
Before his death, the rapper had spoken out about his battle with depression leading to multiple suicide attempts.
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Another jaw dropping incident was of singer Nichume Siwundla, who died by suicide on 7 June 2019.
It emerged that she had allegedly threw herself over an apartment building which, at the time, was owned by childhood friend and actor Oros Mampofu.
Legendary actor Patrick Shai also broke the hearts of many when he allegedly committed suicide in his house in Dobsonville, Soweto on 22 January 2022.
Surviving the silent killer
While the country mourned the deaths of legends and icons, the truth emerged of many others who who have either found themselves in the dark space and pulled themselves out.
Those big names go from Gomora actress Connie Chiume, DiepCity actress Nozuko Nshangase, renowned actress Vatiswa Ndara, as well as actress and media personality Dineo Ranaka.
To date, South Africa sees an estimate of 23 suicides and 460 attempted suicides a day.
According to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) report, the youngest suicide case in Mzansi was a six-year-old child.
Giving hope to the hopeless
According to SADAG, every day should be World Suicide Prevention Day.
The global theme in 2023 was "Creating Hope Through Action". A message SADAG felt was more important now than ever for anyone who feels helpless or hopeless is that there is always hope and there's always help.
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"‘Creating Hope Through Action is a reminder that there is help towards suicide prevention and that our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.
"We can act by reaching out to someone who may be in distress, encouraging understanding around the issue, and having the courage to start conversations about suicide," SADAG said.
