'Mother of the nation' lends voice to suicide prevention

Judy Bailey has stepped forward to front a Mental Health Foundation campaign. Photo / Supplied

Judy Bailey has spoken of her personal battle with depression as she fronts a new campaign to get people talking about suicide.

As One News anchor, she became such a familiar and trusted face at 6pm each evening that she was dubbed "mother of the nation". But she never disclosed how she had struggled with post-natal depression after giving birth to her son, James.

She faced much the same difficulty as Rugby World Cup hero John Kirwan. An All Black could show no weakness; neither could a news anchor.

Now, like Kirwan before her, Bailey has stepped forward to front a new Mental Health Foundation advertising campaign to combat the "heartbreak" of suicide.

Each year in New Zealand, 500 people kill themselves.

"If we continue to sweep it under the carpet and pretend it's not happening, we're not any closer to addressing the problem," Bailey said.

As a first-time mum to James 30 years ago, Bailey struggled with depression.

Spending time with loved ones and exercising helped her at the time, and she encouraged others to do the same.

"I think all of us go through some degree of depression in our life but I think that's all part of life."

She described the "absolutely heartbreaking" experience of seeing friends affected by suicide and not knowing how to support them. "It is hard to know whether to talk about it openly or to try and move on," she said. "But I think the more we talk about it the better."

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Judi Clements said New Zealand's high suicide rate highlighted a "serious issue", with Maori and young women most at risk.

The foundation provides free videos that offer practical advice about the issue, including warning signs and support for those who have lost someone to suicide.

Removing the stigma attached to mental illness was an important a step towards preventing deaths, said Clements.

The videos are available at www.spinz.org.nz or on DVD from the Mental Health Foundation.

WHERE TO GET HELP

* If it's an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111. Or call Youthline 0800 376 633, Lifeline 0800 543 354, Depression Helpline 0800 111 757, What's Up 0800 942 8787 (noon-midnight).

* Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand has more information. Visit: www.spinz.org.nz

* The Ministry of Health also offers information at www.depression.org.nz