Many teenagers struggle in silence. SADAG’s programme gives them a safe space to speak up and seek help. Court. Picture Credit: Freepik
By Aisha Zardad
Gauteng – To tackle teen suicide head-on, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is bringing its life-saving programme straight into Gauteng classrooms. Through “Teen Suicide Shouldn’t Be a Secret,” learners are engaged class by class, while educators are trained to recognise warning signs and respond to students in crisis.
Running during Teen Suicide Prevention Week from 8 to 14 February, the initiative carries a vital message for young people: “We are listening. Silalele. You are not alone.” It urges teens to speak openly, seek help before crises arise, and stand by friends struggling with emotional challenges or thoughts of self-harm.
In 2025, the programme reached over 75,300 learners and trained more than 2,160 educators across 94 high schools. Teens often battle academic stress, financial worries, emotional turmoil, grief, and family challenges—struggles that frequently go unseen, leaving them isolated.
Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG Project Manager highlighted how many learners feel ignored by adults. She said, “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.”
The impact of the programme is evident in the feedback from schools. 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 praised the programme for opening up honest conversations about issues often left unspoken. One learner commented, “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.”
During Teen Suicide Prevention Week, SADAG urges adults to truly listen to teens, without downplaying their struggles or assuming they are ‘just a phase.’ When teens feel understood, they are more likely to seek help early.
If you or someone you know is struggling, contact the SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7) at 0800 567 567.
