Asian suicides concern

WELLINGTON: A new report shows the number of suicides in the Asian population is growing, but no specific policies exist to try to reduce it.

The Suicide Mortality Review Committee has found that in the past decade, between 10 and 41 people of Asian ethnicity had taken their own lives every year in New Zealand.

Prof Rob Kydd, chairman of the committee, said the Government needed to address suicide in this growing population group before rates increased.

‘‘Suicide rates for Asian people have fluctuated but appear to be increasing. With the projected growth in the Asian population, we are concerned the rate may rise,’’ he said.

Figures showed 33% of the suicides were by those of Indian descent, 29% by those of Chinese descent and 14% by those of Southeast Asian descent, other Asian groups making up 24%.

Most of the suicides were also in the Auckland region, at 72%.

The report said stigma and shame were often associated with mental health and suicide in Asian cultures.

The report included various recommendations, including developing the Asian health workforce and establishing support services catering specifically to the Asian population.

Prof Kydd said a shortcoming in this area was the fact that Asianfocused health and social issues were also largely missing from government policy and frameworks.

‘‘While the government has a responsibility to focus on the tangata whenua of Aotearoa, and support Pacific populations, policies for Asian and refugee communities are underdeveloped,’’ he said.

‘‘The lack of suicide prevention strategies for Asian people living in here is a concern.’’ — RNZ