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Suicidal thoughts high amongst Nauru refugees

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Mon, 3 Dec 2018, 3:06PM
30 per cent of refugees on the island have attempted to take their own life. (Photo / File)
30 per cent of refugees on the island have attempted to take their own life. (Photo / File)

Suicidal thoughts high amongst Nauru refugees

Author
Newstalk ZB ,
Publish Date
Mon, 3 Dec 2018, 3:06PM

Nearly a third of asylum seekers treated by a humanitarian group on Nauru have attempted suicide.

That includes children with the youngest nine years old.

Medecins Sans Frontie is reporting on its 11-month stint in the detention centre, comparing the mental state of some refugees to victims of torture.

It says of 208 refugee patients, 30 percent have tried to take their own lives, 60 percent have had suicidal thoughts, and 16 percent have self harmed.

Six percent have also been diagnosed with resignation syndrome, a rare condition where patients enter a semi-comatose state and are unable to eat or drink.

Where to get help:

If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Or if you need to talk to someone else:

Lifeline – 0800 543 354
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Youthline – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (for under 18s)
What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds 1pm–10pm weekdays and 3pm–10pm weekends)
Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463
Healthline – 0800 611 116

 

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