Mental illness stigma exacerbating Samoa suicide rate

The stigma of mental illness in Samoa is contributing to the country's stubbornly high suicide rate, an NGO says.

Faataua Le Ola, which means value life, said about 20 Samoans were taking their lives each year.

The NGO's executive director, Papalii Tiumalu Caroline Paul-Ah Chong, said young Samoan men between the ages of 12 and 35 were the most vulnerable.

"Men are more vulnerable. I think it stems from the macho attitude that our Samoan men have that they're invincible, that they can overcome anything," she said.

"They find it hard to reach out and ask for help and seek help."

Problems in relationships are the leading causes of suicide in Samoa, Papalii said.

"We've noted that the most common causes over the past 10 years have been issues between married couples, relationships between young teens, parents versus children," she said.

"The biggest factor we perceive is the lack of communication. Samoans tend to bottle things up."

As well as offering free and confidential counseling, Faataua Le Ola is spreading awareness about suicide prevention in schools.

It's also part of a UN funded roadshow of NGO's visiting villages to counter domestic violence.

"The roadshow is bringing about awareness of family violence and what it can lead to - depression, mental illness and suicide," Papalii said.

While noting that post natal depression was another problem in Samoa that was often "swept under the carpet", Papalii said she was encouraged by New Zealand's recent stance on well-being.

"It's very encouraging to know that your prime minster has given quite a lot of the national budget to mental health.

"I think that's a big flag to the rest of the Pacific and the leaders of our Pacific countries that mental illness is a big problem."

Where to get help

These are services across the Pacific for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

In Tonga:

Lifeline 23000 or 25144

In Fiji:

Lifeline 667 0565

Fiji Women's' Crisis Centre 3313300 (24 hours) Mobile: 9209470

In Papua New Guinea:

Lifeline Port Moresby 326 0011

1-Tok Kaunselin Helpim Lain 7150 8000

In Samoa:

Faataua Le Ola Lifeline 800-5433

In the Cook Islands:

Te Kainga O Pa Taunga 20162

In New Zealand:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7)

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email talk@youthline.co.nz

What's Up: online chat (7pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 children's helpline (1pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-10pm weekends)

Kidsline (ages 5-18): 0800 543 754 (24/7)

Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254

Healthline: 0800 611 116

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111