New Zealand farmers are taking their own lives at an alarming rate says Don Fraser in his latest rural blog Family Land, Family Expectation, Debt and Suicide.
The man behind Fraser Farm Finance spoke to The Country's Jamie Mackay today about New Zealand's sobering rural suicide statistics. Rural people are 1.5 times more likely to take their own lives than their urban counterparts and Fraser says we lose 50 farmers a year to suicide.
Jamie and Don discuss the possible reasons for these numbers, including isolation and financial worries on top of life's usual pressures.
Listen to the full interview in the Soundcloud embed below:
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• Samaritans 0800 726 666
• If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.