‘Understanding death by suicide in the Asian population of Aotearoa New Zealand’ [Suicide Mortality Review Committee Report 2019]

October 10, 2019

The Suicide Mortality Review Committee has just released a new report looking into some of the key issues behind the incidence of suicide in the Asian population of Aotearoa. This report focuses on the impact of suicide on the Asian population of Aotearoa New Zealand and provides significant insights into the :

• impact of racism on mental health, accessing support and receiving high-quality services
• effect of shame and stigma on asking for help
• need for culturally appropriate services – with increasingly culturally and linguistically diverse groups
• challenging our mental health system
• need to raise community awareness around mental health – Asian communities are still unaware of our general health and mental health system and of how to recognise mental distress.

This review is conducted by the Suicide Mortality Review Committee. The aim of the review is to reinforce previous work and highlight areas requiring action.

The Suicide Mortality Review Committee | Komiti Arotake Mate Whakamomori is led by:

• Prof Rob Kydd Chair
  Professor of psychiatry at the University of Auckland
• Dr Sarah Fortune Deputy chair
  Consultant clinical psychologist and academic, University of Otago
• Taimi Allan
  Chief executive, Changing Minds Trust
• Tania Papali’i, Ngāpuhi/Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki
  Programme lead resilience, Northland District Health Board
• David Cairns
  Suicide prevention coordinator, Pegasus Health
• Dr Maria Baker, Ngāpuhi me Te Rarawa iwi
  Chief executive, Te Rau Ora
• Denise Kingi-’Ulu’ave
  Clinical psychologist, Le Va
• Prof Roger Mulder
  Professor of psychology, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch; Consult Liaison, Service at Christchurch Hospital

Download the report

Click here for more information about the Suicide Mortality Review Committee