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What Denmark can teach New Zealand about suicide prevention

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 27 Aug 2019, 10:41AM
Photo / Getty Images

What Denmark can teach New Zealand about suicide prevention

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Tue, 27 Aug 2019, 10:41AM

Statistics show the country is going backwards when it comes to suicide prevention.

The latest figures reveal 685 people took their own life in the year to June the highest number since records began.

In 2008, Denmark had one of the highest suicide rates in the world but a decade later they now have one of the lowest among high income countries.

Copenhagen University's Marete Nordentoft told Mike Hosking it's a gradual process.

She says it took some time to implement the right intervention, but once they did it they began seeing a gradual decrease.

"It took several approaches to see the decline. part of the strategy involved restricting access to dangerous medications and firearms, and improving psychiatric care."

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW ABOVE

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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