Sherlin Barends talks to Jacaranda FM presenter Lundi Cavernelis, about #doubtfireface, a social media movement aimed at preventing suicide.
Lundi Cavernelis, a Jacaranda FM presenter, is about to push her face into a pie. Yet nobody is laughing.
At the radio studio in Midrand, Cavernelis murmurs the name of a friend, Lincoln Loxton, who was lost to suicide.
She was “very touched by the passing of Robin Williams, especially the way he passed”. So she, like thousands of others, joined the social movement #doubtfireface to prevent suicide.
Here “you re-enact a scene from Mrs Doubtfire and you take whipped cream and stuff your face. You do this to raise awareness for depression and suicide,” Cavernelis explained.
In South Africa there are 23 suicides a day. And according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) a further 230 serious attempts at suicide are recorded every 24 hours. On average that is more than 8 000 cases in one year, just for South Africa.
This justifies the relevance and importance of World Suicide Prevention Day. On 10 September every year we commemorate the lives lost and think of ways to avoid future suicides. Yet, with the passing of Oscar-winning actor Robin Williams on August 11, issues related to depression and suicide are now already visible all over social media.
As great as this gimmick is at creating awareness, we should never forget also to donate our time and money to this and other worthy causes and organisations like SADAG.
This non-profit organisation, which “is at the forefront of patient advocacy, education and destigmatisation of mental illness in the country”, provides one with various ways to aid someone who is threatening suicide.
An important part of preventing suicide is looking out for a friend or loved one: “Be direct.” Talk honestly and openly about suicide. It is also important to listen to and allow loved ones to express their feelings. Do not judge. “Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or whether feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.”
Instead, get involved, pay attention and support loved ones. Avoid forms of tough love where you dare them to do it. Also, when someone confides in you, don't act shocked. Even if asked, do not keep it a secret. Instead, seek support from other loved ones. Also ensure that the person is supervised and gets the necessary help. Finally, “offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.”
For more information on Doubtfire Face For Suicide Prevention, follow the hashtags #doubtfireface and #SayHelloToSuicidePrevention on Twitter and Facebook and get involved.
If you or a loved one is ever in need you can also contact the South African Depression and Anxiety group’s suicide crisis line: 0800 567 567 or SMS 31393.
This contribution was produced as part of a collaboration between LitNet and the University of Stellenbosch's Department of Journalism in 2014.