Useful Information » Youth » Suicide

Suicide

Youth suicide is a serious problem in New Zealand. Suicide can be the end result of depression, an unhappy or tragic event, broken relationships, feelings of worthlessness or from the effects of drug and alcohol use.

When someone commits or talks about suicide it means they are having serious problems and are not in the right frame of mind to see that there is always a solution to an issue. Unfortunately, many suicides come out of the blue and are unexpected because the person feels they are alone. The tragedy is, there are many people in the community who can help the person feeling suicidal, see other ways of viewing life and empower them to find solutions even if they can’t see a way out themselves.

If you are feeling suicidal or know someone who has talked about committing suicide, get help immediately. If you can’t talk to a friend or relative, talk to your doctor or nurse. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to someone who is not a part of your family or social group.

Some signs may include:

  • Notes about suicide or death in diaries, or school work
  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs
  • Feelings of loneliness or desperation
  • Talking about killing themselves
  • Listening to music about death
  • Taking unnecessary risks that could be life threatening like unsafe sex or fast driving 

Useful Links

Below is a list of some of the services available which offer support, information and help.

Kidsline
Telephone counselling service for all kids up to 14 years of age. Kidsline operates from 4pm to 6pm Monday through to Friday. When kids ring they will speak to a Kidsline buddy, a specially trained teenage telephone counsellor.

Phone: 0800 543 754
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Youthline
Youthline was established to ensure young people know where to get help and can access support when they need it.

Helpline 0800 376 633
Free Text 234
E talk@youthline.co.nz

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Lifeline
Lifeline’s telephone counselling service provides 24 hour a day, 7 day a week counselling and support. Calls are confidential and free and you will speak to a trained Lifeline counsellor.

Phone: 0800 543 354
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Hawke's Bay DHB Child Adolescent and Family Mental Health

Phone: 06 878 8109 ext 5848
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