Preventing Suicide
Organisations working with vulnerable people in South Canterbury are currently discussing the actions needed to reduce rates of suicide.
The South Canterbury District Health Board has formed a new group, called the South Canterbury Suicide Prevention Reference Group. It met for the first time at Timaru Hospital on Tuesday December 6, 2011.
Attending the meeting were representatives from DHB mental health services, public health services, local iwi, the police, WINZ, and community organisations including Victim Support, the Senior Citizens' Association, Family Works and the Aoraki Multicultural Council. Others expected to join the group in the near future include a GP, an education sector representative and an employer representative. Sponsoring the project is the South Canterbury DHB general manager of secondary services, Christine Nolan.
More information will be added to this website page as the work of the group develops.
How Can You Help to Prevent Suicide?
If you know someone who is experiencing one or more of these warning signs it is very likely that they need support:
• Direct threats to suicide
• Indirect threats to suicide in verbal statements e.g. "I can't bear to be alive", or "Life is not important and I want out"
• Accessing items to use for suicide
• Obsessions with writing, drawing, talking, or listening to music about death, dying and suicide
• Depression
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, shame, or rage
• Isolating oneself from others
• Unexpected and sudden changes in behaviour or routine.
• Excess intake of drugs and alcohol
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Paying off all bills and outstanding debts
• Making a will
• Giving valuable or precious gifts away to particular people
• Deliberate self-harm
• Death or terminal illness of a relative or friend
• Gut instinct telling you that something is wrong.
The following can act as buffers against suicide and self-harm:
- Self-esteem
- Coping and problem-solving skills
- Connection with family and community
- Access to health care
- Support systems
- Clear cultural identity
- Maintaining employment
For non-urgent help:
If you or someone you know is not coping, seek help early from a GP or practice nurse. General practitioners can also refer you to a confidential early intervention service to help you get depression under control before it becomes a serious problem.
There are also many community agencies in South Canterbury offering counselling and support. Some suggestions are below:
Click here for the Family Works South Canterbury website
When things get serious:
South Canterbury DHB has a 24 hour-7 day service so people who are at risk of suicide can receive immediate help. This is also the first point of contact for any member of the public or other agency with serious concerns about someone in the community. Anyone living from Glenavy in the south to Rakaia in the north, and inland as far as Mount Cook can use this service. The 24/7 phone number is 0800 277 997.
For more information about SCDHB hospital based mental health services see the menu to the left.
Click Here for the National Suicide Prevention Information Service
Click Here for some helpful links to mental health support services