Snake rescuer Nick Evans opens up about suicidal thoughts
· The South African
Snake rescuer Nick Evans has opened up about struggling with suicidal thoughts in a social media post marking suicidal prevention month in September.
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The KwaZulu-Natal herpetologist is widely known for his appearance in the DStv TV show Snake Season.
SNAKE RESCUER NICK EVANS ON SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
In a Facebook post, Nick Evans shared his own mental health experience in awareness of suicide prevention month.
The KwaZulu-Natal man revealed that he had been diagnosed with clinical depression, severe anxiety and complex PTSD.
He posted: “I will share my battles here. Not for attention, but to raise awareness and understanding, and maybe help a reader who is struggling, relate. I am not looking for pity or anything like that. I am very used to feeling this way.
“It has led to me being hospitalised twice, going through many different treatments, medications, and doctors.
“Despite receiving good treatment, my suicidal thoughts come in waves. Sometimes for long periods of time, sometimes for a day or a few. I think they’ll always haunt me”.
Nick Evans shared that his symptoms include feelings of hopelessness, inability to experience joy, overthinking, irrational thoughts and self-doubt.
He shared that he leaned on his family for support, took his medication and continued to see his psychiatrist and psychologist. He has also joined a SADAG [South African Depression and Anxiety Group] support group.
“The number one treatment for me, though, is being in the bush. Watching wildlife, observing botany, tracks, and taking in the sights and smells. That’s where I’m most happy. I plan to one day live and work in the bush. I simply have to”.
RECOGNISE THE WARNING SIGNS
According to SADAG, their helplines receive between 2 500 and 3 000 calls a day, with around one in four serious suicide-related calls.
Operations Director Cassey Chambers said: “People are crying out for help, and the calls we receive every day show us just how many people are struggling.”
“For us to make a meaningful difference and prevent suicides, we can’t just intervene at the point of crisis. People need help recognising the warning signs to make it easier to talk openly about suicide and know where they can turn for help.
“We need families, friends, schools, workplaces, and communities to understand that talking about suicide is crucial and that asking someone directly if they are struggling can open the door to getting them the support they need.
As Nick Evans outlined, suicide warning signs include the following:
- Talking about wanting to end your life
- Feelings of hopelessness or being trapped
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Sudden mood or personality changes
- Extreme sadness, anxiety or agitation
- Changes in sleep or eating
HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, seek professional help.
Here are a list of helplines that can assist you.
- SADAG Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0800 567 567
- Cipla Mental Health Helpline: 0800 456 789
- SADAG Mental Health Line: 011 234 4837
- SADAG WhatsApp: 076 882 2775
- Childline South Africa: 116
- NPOwer SA: 0800 515 515
- Healthcare Workers Care Network: 0800 21 21 21
- Department of Social Development: 0800 12 13 14
- Police & Trauma Helpline: 0800 20 50 26
- Adcock Ingram Depression & Anxiety Helpline: 0800 70 80 90
- In case of an emergency: 112 from a mobile phone