Suicide ideation: A study of secondary school learners in Limpopo province, South Africa

Abstract

Suicide attempt by young people has become a trend lately and most parents are left confused when a young person decides to commit suicide. A suicidal behaviour is associated with unbearable internal state of pains. This study investigated the views of learners on the causes of suicide attempts at a secondary school in Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe District in Limpopo province. Data were collected using qualitative explorative design involving face to face interviews. Nine participants aged 15 to 19 years were selected purposively.The participants included 5 females and four males. Results indicate that participants perceive suicide as a way of running away from miserable experiences. The main modes used to commit suicide were through ingesting poison, hanging and by taking an overdose of medication and the usual setting were their own rooms. Some participants attempted suicide in the middle of the night when no one could suspect or interrupt them. Ill treatment by parents, failure at school being interpreted as disappointment to parents, partner relationship problems and poor communication were reported as some of the reasons for a suicide attempt. Being around the people who care, positive attitude towards life, talking about one’s own feelings and seeking professional help emerged as strategies for preventing suicide among young people.