Impact of suicide on society measured in billions

Each suicide in New Zealand costs the country $2.9 million, a new study has found.

The Wellington School of Medicine report The Cost of Suicide to Society found that the 460 suicides and 5095 attempted suicides in 2002 - the most recent statistics available - cost New Zealand nearly $1.4 billion.

The report's author, health economist Des O'Dea, estimated that each suicide cost $2.9 million.

Economic costs, including health services used and lost workforce production, made up $448,000 of the cost of each suicide, while non-economic costs - the value society attaches to each life lost - made-up $2.4 million of the cost.

Mr O'Dea based his non-economic calculations on Land Transport New Zealand's 'Value of a Statistical Life' calculation.

Associate Health Minister Jim Anderton, who released the Ministry of Health-commissioned report yesterday, said human life was priceless and he believed the cost was underestimated because it was impossible to quantify grief or trauma.

"But unfortunately when you have Government or public investment you have to put some prioritisation on how you spend money. It sounds pretty brutal but actually it is one way of doing it - it is better than just guessing."

Mr Anderton also released five other reports yesterday that examined possible social explanations for suicide trends in New Zealand.

These reports found that social and economic factors did influence suicide rates.

"I have heard plenty of people say that economic circumstances have nothing whatever to do with suicide," Mr Anderton said. "I think these studies show that at least that's not true. It's not true either that anyone subject to economic and social deprivation is going to automatically commit suicide ... but there is a link."

Mr Anderton said the research into suicide was providing a growing understanding of the risk factors that cause suicidal behaviour and which methods to reduce suicide worked.

The Government plans to spend $10.3 million on suicide prevention over the next four years, which includes funding for Lifeline and other support groups.

A further $6 million will be spent on the National Depression Initiative.

Suicide statistics for 2003 are expected to be released early next year.

The figures

* 460 suicides in 2002 (most recent statistics)

* 5095 suicide attempts in 2002

* Each suicide estimated to cost NZ $2.9 million