Undiagnosed or untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide: SADAG
South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), says it is important to encourage children to speak to people when they're showing signs of depression.
The group's Cassie Chambers has been speaking to Newswatch after a 12-year-old boy from Gcilima near Margate committed suicide on the south coast yesterday.
Police have opened an inquest docket.
Chambers says suicide among teens and young children is normally a result of a number of factors.
''Undiagnosed or untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. I think it's really important that if you pick up on any of these symptoms.
''Suicide can be prevented if you pick up on the signs, pick up on the symptoms and get help as soon as possible. [These could include] change in their school performance or they don't want to be around family or friends anymore. Those are some of the key symptoms,'' she said.
(File photo)