This article deals with mental health problems, including suicide.
New Zealand is accused of being all talk and little action when it comes to our shocking suicide rates.
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. More than 660 Kiwis took their own lives in the year to June, up 10 percent on the year before.
Association of Counsellors president Bev Weber says mental health check-ups need to become routine.
"You go and have a check-up on your car, you get your warrant of fitness; you have a check-up on your body, make sure it's alright; we would like to see that it becomes part of what we do for our mental wellness."
Ms Weber says Monday is a good opportunity for everyone to check in on their friends and family.
Association president Bev Weber says we need earlier intervention:
"We can talk and talk and talk and nothing's going to change. But thinking about our own mental health is a starting point."
World Suicide Prevention Day is organised by the International Association for Suicide Prevention.
The social media hashtags are #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, #Suicide Prevention, #WSPD2018 and #WSPD - using any of those on sites like Twitter will make an emoji appear.
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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