Northland's suicide rate at all-time high

In February Mike King travelled from Cape Reinga to Bluff on a motor scooter to raise awareness of mental health issues

Anti-suicide campaigner Mike King is not surprised that Northland suffered the highest number of suicides in 12 months since records began 10 years ago.

Provisional statistics show that 41 people killed themselves in Northland in the 2017/18 year. The figure could rise - or fall - if cases still before the Coroners Court are ruled as suicide or not.

Forty-one is an increase of nearly 14 per cent on 36 suicides the year before. It is also higher than the region's road death toll of 40 in 2017.

Nationally, 668 people died by suicide in 2017/18 — almost two a day, also the highest on record and up by more than 60 on the previous year.

The latest statistics show the same age-related pattern as previous years, the highest number in the 20-24-year-old group (76 deaths), followed by the 45-49-year-old group (67).

King predicts the overall figure will rise further as ''the threshold of what is suicide is lowered''.

''I think we're finding now the figures are a more accurate reflection of the situation,'' he said.

''In my humble opinion the figures are going to continue to rise until we reach the real figure. There has been under-reporting in the past.''

King said the same pattern occurred in Australia in recent years.

Across the Tasman there was a rise in figures after the issues became a more accepted, open conversation in the community - and coronial findings became clearer about what constituted suicide.

''Last year was the first year in Australia where the number dropped since their records began,'' King said.

NDHB general manager Ian McKenzie said preventing suicide was complex and it was critical for organisations to work together.

''Our inter-agency group FUSION is in place and shares and responds daily to information relating to suicide risk within the Tai Tokerau ki Muriwhenua community,'' McKenzie said.

''Suicide prevention is not just an issue for the health sector. It is widely recognised that poverty, drug and alcohol abuse, sexual and physical abuse, truancy, unemployment all contribute to the loss of hope and mental health issues so it is imperative that we continue to work together to strengthen our communities.''

Chief Coroner Judge Deborah Marshall said that with provisional figures increasing for the fourth year in a row, suicide continued to be a significant health and social problem.

"It's a tragedy to see the number of self-inflicted deaths. We need to keep talking about how to recognise the signs that someone may want to take their own life. If someone expresses thoughts and feelings about suicide, take them seriously."

Coronial recommendations in the past year include better information sharing between health professionals and ensuring up-to-date training in suicide risk assessment.

Policy changes were also recommended on how District Health Boards handle mental health referrals.

"However, the same comment is often repeated by Coroners. If you think someone is at risk, support them to reach the appropriate services as soon as possible," Judge Marshall said.

The Chief Coroner's figures will differ slightly from the Ministry of Health because the latter's figures are recorded by calendar year.

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP:
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. If you or someone else is in danger call police immediately on 111. 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 (available 24/7); Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155; Samaritans 0800 726 666; Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254