voices

A man commited suicide after reportedly hearing voices. Image: Google maps/ Reaction Unit South Africa Facebook page

Man commits SUICIDE in KwaZulu-Natal after hearing voices

A man committed suicide in KwaZulu-Natal after he reportedly heard voices; his body found after he fled into a dense bush

voices

A man commited suicide after reportedly hearing voices. Image: Google maps/ Reaction Unit South Africa Facebook page

A man reportedly heard voices before committing suicide in Phase 6, Waterloo, in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday evening, 5 February.

ALSO READ: Murder-suicide: Man kills his partner then turns the gun on himself

Man complains of hearing voices, then commits suicide

At approximately 20:44, the deceased’s family called for assistance from the Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), a local security firm’s operations center.

The man had complained of hearing noises and allegedly attempted suicide earlier in the day, but his family intervened.

ALSO READ: Man allegedly assaults, kills girlfriends and later commits suicide

During the afternoon, he fled from his residence in Waterloo and into a dense bush near Jabu Ngcobo Road.

Reaction officers and his family searched the area and found him hanging from a tree.

ALSO READ: Several incidents of attempted SUICIDE in KwaZulu-Natal

Caring for a mentally ill family member

Society often complicates the task of caring for someone with a mental illness due to the stigma attached to it, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) says.

People with mental illness and their families encounter discrimination from a wary public, including friends, extended family, employers, medical aids, and sometimes even from the medical sector.

Living with and caring for someone with a mental illness can be challenging and may strain family relationships.

ALSO READ: 10-year-old attempts suicide after alleged assault by father

The confusion surrounding the mental disorder can disrupt relationships and require emotional renegotiations.

It’s crucial to find someone to talk to, as ignoring these feelings can lead to conflict in relationships.

If you are having trouble speaking with certain family members in denial, allow them to maintain their refusal if they need it.

Seek support from others and know that you are not alone.

ALSO READ: Man seriously injured after trying to commit suicide on N1 bridge

There are support groups, like the Depression and Anxiety Support Group, with trained telephone counselors and support groups for sufferers and their caregivers.

They are available Monday to Friday, 8 am to 7 pm, and on Saturdays, 8 am to 5 pm at (011) 783-1474/6.

Receiving support and help is crucial in caring for someone with a mental illness.

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