Editorial: Do more to stop suicides

More people die from suicide than from car accidents in Northland.

In 2014, 295 people died in road accidents in New Zealand.

In the 12 months to June 2015, 564 people took their own lives. Different 12-month periods, but it tells us something - 90 per cent more people die from suicide.

Of the two, which has more money spent on it - education, marketing, human resources?

I suspect our road toll gets more attention. Yet suicide is a bigger problem.

So if we are not talking about it on a national scale, how can we expect to be more open on a regional, town, family or one-on-one level.

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In 2014/15, Northland's suicide rate has risen 33 per cent to 28 deaths. The previous year, Northland lost 21 people to suicide, 29 the year before.

It is simplistic to say that people lose their lives to "suicide" - there's more to it.

There is depression, anxiety, bullying, financial worries, domestic violence, sexual abuse ... it is never as simple as a person suddenly decides they do not want to live.

Despite increasing publicity about depression, particularly targeting men, males are still over represented in suicide numbers. As a society, we have matured when it comes to talking about depression. But society still judges people with mental illness and discriminates against them. And as long as we do, people will remain in the depression "closet" where the risk of suicide is far greater.

Maori are also over represented in our suicide statistics. Here, there is some great preventative work being done. Maori with pride in their culture, and an understanding of who they are, where they are from and where they are going do not take their own lives. This is something that is threaded into our local suicide prevention work.

If we are not prepared to have the conversation loudly on a national stage, then it is up to us to talk openly at a local level. And support people like our local DHBs, or Lily George, who co-manages a Ngatiwai focused project targeting Maori youth. And then there is us - what can we do? Well, the good thing about talk being cheap is that it doesn't cost anything. But talking to someone about how they are feeling, might save the most valuable thing of all, someone's life.

Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.