They Just Want to Be Heard: Inside SADAG’s School Project to Prevent Teen Suicide in Classrooms

Across South Africa, thousands of teenagers are quietly carrying overwhelming emotional burdens – academic pressure, family struggles, grief, financial stress, and feelings they don’t always have the words to explain.

This Teen Suicide Prevention Week (8–14 February 2026), the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is highlighting a simple yet powerful message to young people: We are listening. Silalele. You are not alone. Through its impactful school outreach programme, “Teen Suicide Shouldn’t Be a Secret,” SADAG is taking Suicide Prevention directly into classrooms – speaking to learners class by class, and equipping educators with the tools to identify warning signs, support learners in distress, and respond confidently in a crisis.

In 2025 alone, SADAG’s School Outreach Team:

• Visited 94 high schools across Gauteng
• Spoke directly to over 75,300 learners
• Trained and engaged more than 2,160 educators on Teen Depression and Suicide Prevention

During these sessions, learners consistently shared the same key challenges they are facing:

1.     Academic pressure

2.     Financial challenges

3.     Overwhelming emotions

4.     Grief and loss

5.     Family problems

But perhaps the most heartbreaking theme that emerges from every school is this: “Adults don’t really listen to us anymore.” Roshni Parbhoo-Seetha, SADAG Project Manager, explains, “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.”

By opening these conversations in a safe space, SADAG is not only educating learners about Depression, Self-harm and Suicide warning signs, but also teaching them:

• How to speak up when they are struggling
• How to seek help early
• How to help a friend in crisis
  What to do in a suicidal emergency
  
  The impact of these talks has been more meaningful for both learners and educators.

Feedback from School Principals and Educators:

“The information shared plays a crucial role in the day-to-day teaching and learning environment. The session was truly inspiring, and we will do our utmost to implement the information that was shared.”
— Principal, Klipspruit

“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.”
— Principal, Diepkloof

“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.”
— Principal, Ekurhuleni

“Your compassionate approach and expertise in mental health have made a significant impact on our school community. The counselling services you provided offered much-needed support to those facing challenges, and we are confident that your intervention has made a lasting difference in many lives.”
— Principal, Eikenhof

Learners’ voices say it best:

“What I liked about the talk is that they said teenagers also have feelings, they are also human beings. Today they built my confidence.”

“They were open to us. They managed to comfort us in each and every way. I’ve never felt so comforted as I am today.”

“That not everything will go according to plan. You just need to learn that it is ok not to be ok.”

“If you are Depressed you must call the SADAG Team for help, and they are always there for you, always available, and you can use any platform to contact them.”

“It was really nice to have someone talk about what most people don’t talk about.”

“They were kind and easy to approach. They don’t make you feel weird about saying how you feel.”

“I felt like they could understand my feelings, because I have had problems with self-harm. But after the talk, I feel there is a lot to live for.”

This Teen Suicide Prevention Week, SADAG calls on parents, teachers, caregivers and communities to truly listen to teenagers – without judgement, without minimising, and without assuming their struggles are “just a phase.”

Because when teens feel heard, they are far more likely to ask for help before reaching a crisis point.

Suicide prevention starts with talking.

If you or someone you know needs help:

SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline (24/7): 0800 567 567
SMS: 31393
WhatsApp: 076 882 2775 (8am – 5pm, 7 days a week)
Website: www.sadag.org

You are not alone. We are listening. Silalele.