St Theresa’s struck by grief after student takes her own life

written by Woman and Home Team September 23, 2022

South Africans are devastated by the news that a student at St Teresa School in Rosebank, Johannesburg took her own life.

The female student reportedly took her life on Monday, as per News24, who received a statement from the all-girls private institution.

Reports share that she was a grade 8 learner.

Another student has reportedly been hospitalised too following a separate incident, also believed to be related to self-harm.

According to the school per The Citizen:

“The preliminary findings of an independent investigation commissioned by the school suggest that the injuries that led to the passing away of a Grade 8 learner, and a second Grade 8 learner recovering in hospital, were self-inflicted. We await official confirmation of this,” the school said in a statement.

The statement continued that the “school community and public” be urged to respect the privacy of both the parents and the families of the children.

Support to the children of the school has been extended by St David’s Marist Inanda, Rodean, Kingsmead College and De La Salle.

According to The Citizen, St Theresa emphasised the mental health challenges the younger generation are facing, highlighting economic and political uncertainty and the “mental health fallout” resulting from the pandemic.

Mental Health requires more awareness now than ever – and according to the South African government, “on average, almost 3 000 people commit suicide daily. For every person who completes a suicide, 20 or more may attempt to end their lives.”

A safe space to talk, to introspect, and most importantly, knowing that someone is willing to listen, truly can have an impact most people don’t understand. October is Mental Health Awareness Month, serving as a reminder to always extend love and kindness to everyone – those struggling and those who appear the strongest.