30/08/2019
Totally Heartbreaking ๐
WARNING: This story deals with the topic of su***de. ๐๐๐ข๐ญ๐๐
Itโs so heartbreaking to read today as the number of suspected su***des were released by the Chief Coroner. The number of su***des in New Zealand has reached its highest-ever level, with 685 people dying in the year to June 30. We donโt see a number we see people, loved ones who are so dearly missed.
Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall released the provisional su***de statistics on Monday afternoon, showing there were 17 more deaths than in the previous year - an increase of 2.5 per cent.
There has also been an increase in the numbers of young people dying by su***de, particularly those in the 15 to 19 year age group, where numbers rose from 53 to 73 over the same period.
In the 20 to 24 year age group, the numbers of people who took their own lives grew from 76 to 91.
In the past decade, the rate of su***de has risen 29 per cent, from 531 deaths in 2008/09, compared to 685 in 2018/19.
Men continue to be more at risk, with 68 per cent of the deaths this year men.
There was also an increase in su***de statistics amongst Mฤori and Pacific Islanders.
The Mฤori rate rose from 142 to 169 deaths, whilst the Pacific Island figures rose from 23 to 34 deaths.
Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said the number of su***des was "a really horrendous result". "Over 680 deaths is just horrible. The fact these numbers continue to go up is just shattering.
"It's particularly shattering because there are things we can do. There is a small army of people out there doing that mahi right now. "The time has passed to raise awareness of su***de and raise awareness for su***de prevention."
Judge Marshall said the reasons people take their own lives were numerous and depend on many factors. "Their early life experiences at home and at school; their employment status; their mental health; their economic and health status; their sense of belonging; their sense of purpose.
"It's up to all of us to look out for our family, friends and neighbours - to ask how they're going and coping with pressures in life, and offer our support, to offer hope. Because there is hope."
While the number of suspected su***des for 2018/19 was the highest recorded, the su***de rate - the number of people per 100,000 who die by su***de - was still not as high as it was at its peak in the late 1990s.
"New Zealand came together to really address su***de when we faced our highest su***de rates in the 1990s," Robinson said.
"We can do it again."
EVERYWHERE IS AFFECTED
While every area had recorded suspected su***des, the highest number was in Auckland.
The figures include a regional breakdown by district health board (DHB) area.
The area covered by the three Auckland DHBs - Waitematฤ, Auckland and Counties Manukau - accounted for 190 suspected su***des.
The Waitematฤ DHB area had the highest number of suspected su***des, with 87. This was followed by the Canterbury DHB area, with 74 su***des, down from 87 last year.
The areas with the lowest number of suspected su***des were the West Coast DHB, with 2, and Wairarapa, with 8.
WHERE TO GET HELP:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline โ 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Youthline โ 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
Samaritans โ 0800 726 666
Su***de Crisis Helpline โ 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
What's Up โ 0800 942 8787 (for 5โ18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, middayโ11pm and weekends, 3pmโ11pm. Online chat is available 7pmโ10pm daily.
Kidsline โ 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
thelowdown.co.nz โ or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 (0800 RURAL HELP)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825
https://i.stuff.co.nz/national/health/115290090/su***de-rates-up-on-the-previous-year-latest-figures-show