Struggling SA refugees encouraged to get help after woman’s suicide

South African refugees have been urged to reach out for support after they arrive in the US. This follows the death of Carin Cilliers, who committed suicide this week, after experiencing mental health issues and struggling to find employment.

The 49-year-old Boksburg woman had resettled in the state of Texas after arriving in her adoptive country two months ago.

Her death came two days before World Suicide Day on Thursday, 10 September. 

REFUGEES URGED TO ASK FOR HELP

On social media, tributes have gone out to Carin Cilliers, who took her own life after arriving in the US as a refugee on 30 June.

The Boksburg woman had struggled with loneliness, depression, and finding employment.

She had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Lianda Alkema, a South African refugee and recruiter for a US employment agency, had been in contact with Cilliers, who left her equine business behind in South Africa.”

“The [refugee] programme does not discriminate against mental illnesses,” Alkema told Caxton of the medical screenings that applicants had to go through during the process.

Carin’s cousin, Yolandé Cilliers, also a refugee living in the US, admitted that adjusting to a US lifestyle had been challenging.

She had been in contact with the South African can Women in the USA and Canada’s WhatsApp and  Facebook support group to establish connections

Others, on social media, have urged South Africans to reach out for help

X user @amreil7, also a refugee, urged others to get in touch with churches, refugee agencies and even mental health care institutions. She posted: “Please stay. Please tell someone. Let another person help carry this with you today. 🙏””

@MsIndyRay posted: “I wished she had asked for help. No one should go through all that alone.”, while @movingfwdinhope added: “I know, it’s hard, believe me 😭😭 But if anyone out there feels like giving up, don’t, people love you, you are worthy of a happy life. Reach out ❤️❤️”.

Today, 10 September, is World Suicide Prevention Day. This heartbreaking story makes its message painfully close to home. 💔

On Tuesday, 8 September, Carin Cilliers, a 49-year-old South African refugee, died by suicide in Houston, just over two months after arriving in the USA.…

— Amreil (@Amreil7) September 10, 2026

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

South African refugees receive practical support to help them establish a new life, particularly during their first months, from organisations such as the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP), and resettlement agencies such as Church World Service and World Relief.

This can include temporary housing, food and clothing, help accessing healthcare, enrolling children in school, transport, Social Security and other documents, English-language classes, employment assistance and help applying for eligible benefits. The aim is to help refugees become self-sufficient and integrate into their new communities rather than simply providing short-term financial assistance.

Here is a list of resources available to refugees…

Resource	What they can help with	Website
Local refugee resettlement agency	Housing, food, healthcare, employment, schools, documents and benefits	Find a resettlement provider
Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)	Financial assistance, healthcare, employment and social services	ORR
Settle In	Help understanding American life, housing, jobs, healthcare and culture	Settle In
211	Local help with food, housing, transport, bills, healthcare and mental health	211
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline	Immediate emotional support and suicide/crisis counselling — call or text 988	988 Lifeline
SAMHSA	Find local mental-health and substance-use treatment	SAMHSA
USAHello	Practical guides on housing, healthcare, work, English and life in America	USAHello
USA.gov	Government information on benefits, healthcare, work and other services	USA.gov