A deeply distressing incident unfolded at a local pharmacy in Hutten Heights, Newcastle, where a man attempted to take his own life in front of horrified staff and customers, highlighting the pressing issues of depression, anxiety, and the immense weight of stress many people face.
Charles Steyn from Magenta Emergency Medical Services recounted the events that occurred at approximately 9:30 am on Tuesday, 29 October 2024.
“I was about to leave to transport a patient when one of Magenta Security’s Reaction Officers called for me to come and assist with a man who was holding a knife to his throat with the intention of taking his own life,” explained Steyn.
As a qualified trauma counsellor and chaplain, Steyn rushed to the scene, determined to prevent any loss of life. Upon arriving at the pharmacy, he urged bystanders to clear the area to alleviate the tension. “I started talking him down and was managing to get him to put the knife down when he suddenly pushed the knife into the side of his neck, near his ear.”
As a paramedic, Steyn immediately stabilised the man, administrated a drip and attended to the wound before rushing the man to the Madadeni Hospital for further medical treatment.
Although the man is now in a stable condition, Steyn noted that he had initially visited the pharmacy to collect medication for his depression when the crisis unfolded.
While the man’s survival is a relief, Steyn emphasised that those who witnessed the incident will likely require trauma counselling. Looking ahead, Steyn expressed concerns about the rise in depression during the festive season, beginning in October. “Depression picks up during this time of year, mainly due to financial burdens and individuals feeling like failures for not being able to provide gifts or a ‘proper holiday’ for their families,” he noted, explaining that these feelings often lead to tragic outcomes.
Moreover, Steyn pointed out that suicide attempts tend to increase during the holiday season, even among wealthier individuals. “They may have enough money but face family issues that see the person perceiving themselves as failures, leading to attempts on their lives,” he warned. Adding to this, Steyn underscored that the destitute often become victims of suicide due to being overlooked during this time.
Looking at this reality, The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) corroborates this view, indicating that the holiday season exacerbates feelings of isolation, sadness, and stress for those grappling with depression.
Therefore, Steyn calls on residents to keep a watchful eye on friends and family who may be struggling with mental health issues. “There is a stigma around mental health, but it is crucial to talk to someone as help is available. People should avoid judging those with depression,” stressed Steyn.
Residents are urged to reach out to family members and medical professionals for support if they or someone they know is contemplating suicide. “Sometimes, a suicidal person hears a voice telling them this is the only way out to stop the pain and stress, but they do not have to face depression alone. There is help available, and often, it could be a slight medical imbalance that medication can address,” Steyn concluded.
As Newcastle residents prepare for the upcoming holidays, it is essential to check in on those who may be battling depression and contemplating suicide. Your outreach could make a significant difference in saving a life.
Remember there are various facilities and medical practitioners who are ready to help, here are two local facilities that can assist:
Mediclinic Newcastle Kintsugi Centre – Click here to get more information
Madadeni Provincial Hospital – Click here to get more information
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