Latest statistics show that in the year to June there were 11 deaths in New Zealand from suspected suicides per 100,000 people. Photo: RNZ
This story discusses figures relating to suspected suicides.
A key leader in New Zealand's mental health sector says it is frustrating there has been little change in New Zealand's suicide rates in the past decade.
According to the latest figures from the Coroner's Court and Health NZ, there were 630 suspected suicides in the year to June, up from 617 the year before.
That amounts to 11 deaths from suicide per 100,000 people, down just over 3 percent (3.1 percent) from the average rate of the last 16 years.
Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said the statistics made him "sad, angry, and frustrated".
"We're talking 630 real people who lost their lives [from suicide this year] and hundreds of thousands of people who were connected to them have been impacted by these deaths.
"Looking at the numbers, we're not shifting the dial here. They might marginally go up or down from one year to another. But essentially, they're staying stubbornly high and have done so for a decade.
"Not only is the overall picture not getting better, but the inequities are not getting any better. If we're really serious about shifting this dial, we have to create a fairer society, where people have the resources they need and are valued for who they are and their diversity."
Robinson said we must learn from the many lives saved through successful suicide prevention efforts each year.
He said investment in prevention programmes and services was sorely needed.
"One area that could pay significant dividends is actually supporting children and young people in the school system to develop the skills needed, the lifestyle behaviour, and techniques that boost their ability to deal with life's ups and downs."
Shaun Robinson said it was important for young people to develop resilience to deal with challenges like bullying and other hardships they would face throughout their lives.
"We also need to reduce challenges like racism, poverty, and housing issues, but also equip people to cope with what is a pretty challenging world."
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463
- Aoake te Rā bereaved by suicide service: or call 0800 000 053
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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