By Lungisani Mkhulise
As September marks National Suicide Prevention Month, Durban University of Technology (DUT) Faculty of Health Sciences and Student Counselling held a World Suicide Prevention Day event at DUT Fred Crookes Sport Centre yesterday.
The event aimed to raise awareness on the pressing issue of suicide and promote mental health dialogue. The students were reminded that no one should judge a book by its cover.
Counselling Psychologist from Higher Health, Cebisile Kubheka, highlighted the importance of seeking professional support and also shared platforms where students can report when they are facing or battling with suicidal thoughts.
“Students must take notice of early signs, including talking about hopelessness, feeling like a burden and saying that they don’t want to live. There’s a 24 hour emergency call line that has been introduced to assist students. When you observe these signs, get counseling. Do positive things to fight suicidal thoughts,” said Kubheka.
The event honoured DUT students who lost their lives through suicide last month, where DUT SRC Academic Officer, Bongumusa Shinga, led a moment of silence in their memory.
The event ended with an appeal for students to be kind, united, and brave enough to seek help.
