The latest [New Zealand] suicide figures are the highest since coroner’s records began [only] nine years ago.
Mental Health Foundation (MHF) chief executive Shaun Robinson said the latest suicide figures are shocking and a sobering reflection on the failure of New Zealand to come together to prevent suicide in a coordinated way.
The lack of a unified suicide prevention strategy that spells out the role and responsibilities of all Government agencies, communities and individuals means that much of [the preventative work that does take place] lacks direction and occurs in small pockets around New Zealand.
“New Zealand’s suicide rate – the highest in the developed world for teenagers – should be considered a national disgrace after increasing for the third year in a row, and we simply must do more as a society to reduce this number,” said PSA National Secretary Erin Polaczuk.
“Without aiming to make things better, they will stay the same – and the status quo is a tragedy.”
Extracted from http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11912422 – 28 August 2017
Where to get help within New Zealand
If you are worried about your or someone else’s mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
- LIFELINE: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
- SUICIDE CRISIS HELPLINE: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
- YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633
- NEED TO TALK? Free call or text 1737 (available 24/7)
- KIDSLINE: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
- WHATSUP: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
- DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757