A health advocate for New Zealand's Asian community says the government needs to urgently address the growing decline in mental health among our country's Asian population.
Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang
Figures released today show a marked increase in the number of suicides among Asian ethnicities, increasing by 20 deaths in the year to the end of June to a rate of 7.91 suicides per 100,000 people.
That's despite an overall decrease in the number of suicides in New Zealand.
The National Director of the Asian Family Services charitable trust, Kelly Feng, told Māni Dunlop the increase is very concerning, and the government isn't doing enough to address the underlying problems.
Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
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) or text 4202
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 (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm 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
Asian Family Services: Ph 0800 862 342 from 9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.
For more information visit Asian Family Services, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WeChat, where resources are shared daily in different languages.
