New Zealand's stubbornly high suicide rate shows it is time for a serious rethink, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists Community Member Graham Roper says.
Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean this week released provisional suicide figures for 2012-13. Of 541 nationwide, 48 were in Otago and Southland, compared with 42 the year before.
Mr Roper, who is standing for the Southern District Health Board in October's election, said not talking about the problem had not worked.
He was critical of the advertisements depicting rugby great Sir John Kirwan, saying many people could not relate to a celebrity with mental health problems. He believed answers lay in family, colleagues, and friends: encouraging people to speak up to those around them.
Mr Roper was not in favour of more research; advocating a strategy rethink and prompt action.
Suicide should be seen predominantly as a social problem rather than a medical one, although appropriate treatment services needed to be readily available.
He believed the state of the economy played a part in people deciding to take their lives.
In a prepared statement, Southern District Health Board medical officer of health Marion Poore said suicide was extremely complex and many factors contributed.
''It is important that, as a community, we talk about the impact suicide has, the issues involved and what can be done when we work together to reduce suicide - while we still have significant work to do and numbers from year to year fluctuate, these efforts have resulted in a general trend of reducing suicide in our district over the last few years.''
Over the past six years, suicides in the South were highest in 2009-10, when 60 were recorded.
Where to get help
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508-828-865
- Lifeline: 0800-543-354
- Depression Helpline (8am-midnight): 0800-111-757
- Healthline: 0800-611-116
- Samaritans: 0800-211-211
- Youthline: 0800-376-633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
- Kidsline (aimed at children up to 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800-543-754
Helplines 24/7 unless otherwise stated.
