New figures show a significant decrease in youth suicides, but the overall rate remains high.
Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean today released provisional annual figures, which show a total of 529 suicides in the year to the end of June.
Chief Coroner Judge Neil McLean Photo: Unknown
There were 12 fewer suicides compared to last year, and 29 fewer than the 2010/2011 seven-year peak.
The previous lowest total recorded was in 2008/2009, with 531 recorded deaths.
Suicides of people aged under 24 were significantly down from last year, with 110 deaths compared with 144. In the past year, there was also the lowest number of suicides in the 15- to 19-year-old cohort in the last seven years, with just 46 deaths – down 17 on last year and 34 the year before.
“The drop in teen suicide is good news. These are the some of the toughest and most tragic cases coroners deal with,” Judge MacLean said. “I am aware that a lot of effort both nationally and at community grassroots level has gone into responding to the challenges posed by youth suicide, and I’d like to think the drop is a result of this.”
MacLean pointed to the development of a co-operative interagency arrangement whereby Coronial Service staff notify the Ministry of Health in near real-time of any suspected suicide to trigger prompt and informed response.
“It may be this, coupled with an extensive growing awareness and interest amongst local communities seeking information and guidance about the phenomenon of suicide, that is starting to bring the youth suicide numbers down. But only time will tell.”
Judge MacLean said the overall suicide rate of 11.7 per 100,000 people was still stubbornly high and disappointingly consistent.
“This year’s numbers have moved in the right direction but not by much. In spite of this, it’s important we focus on the positives and there are some we can take from the statistics.”
The impact of suicide can last generations, as Rosabel Tan and Tobias Brockie have explored on The Wireless.
In March, senior producer Megan Whelan asked if there were enough support services for young people with mental health disorders.
If you need to talk to someone about your own mental health, try these helplines. If it is an emergency, call 111.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757
- Healthline: 0800 611 116
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (for callers from the Lower North Island, Christchurch and West Coast) or 0800 211 211 / (04) 473 9739 (for callers from all other regions)
- Suicide Crisis Helpline (aimed at those in distress, or those who are concerned about the wellbeing of someone else): 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- Youthline: 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz