Suicide-rate rise may have jobless link

Press, 29 June 1985, Page 8

Suicide-rate rise may have jobless link

PA Wellington Suicide rates in New Zealand are steadily increasing and could be linked to unemployment, according to the director of the Mental

Health Foundation, Dr Max Abbott. Suicide statistics for 1984 show that last year 356 people took their own lives, compared with 293 in 1975

and 271 in 1970. The Health Department’s deputy chief statistician, Mr Jim Fraser, said the 1984 statistics showed a continuing growth in both total suicide numbers and in the number of suicides among non-Maori males. A survey which recently looked at suicide data between 1973 to 1982 clearly illustrated a growth pattern, particularly in the younger age-groups, he said. It showed a 50 per cent growth of suicides in nonMaori males aged between 20 and 24 during 1973 and 1982, which accounted for 35 per cent of all suicide cases. “There is also a 40 to 45 per cent suicide increase for the same period in the nonMaori female sector although there are far fewer women committing suicide,” he said. Increases also showed in people in the 25 to 29, and 50 plus age groups committing suicide, and a steady, but constant, growth in the other age brackets, according to Mr Fraser. Dr Abbott said the increase in suicides could very likely be linked with high unemployment figures in New Zealand. A medical survey in Britain had looked at the correlation between unemployment figures and suicide statistics and concluded there was a definite relationshop between the two, he said. The stigma of unemployment on the young caused stress which usually led to severe depression and was the most likely cause of suicide. “Suicide is just the tip of stress and depression in the community. You just have to look at the increase in 24hour hot-line telephone counselling services, and the increase in people using them,” Dr Abbott said. “I think young people have to be taught how to deal with loneliness and depression, and develop a greater power of self worth. Communication skills and assertiveness training should be taught in schools,” he said.