A new survey has revealed that a shockingly high number of young New Zealanders have contemplated self-harm or suicide in the past year.
The international survey found 40 percent of Kiwis aged 18 to 34 had considered harming themselves, and it comes as more mental health beds face closure.
From bad to worse, on Tuesday Newshub reported there were zero new acute mental health beds added under Labour.
"It's taken way longer than it should do, but progress is now evident," said Health Minister Andrew Little on Tuesday.
And now, in Christchurch, all 15 beds at Hillmorton Hospital's Tupuna in-patient mental health unit face the chop.
Te Whatu Ora blames staffing issues. The National Party's mental health spokesperson Matt Doocey said the possible closures are unacceptable.
"We find out that we don't have one extra mental health bed, but on top of that now we find out that in Christchurch we are at risk of losing beds as a mental health in-patient facility closes down."
The Mental Health Foundation's CEO Shaun Robinson said the bed issue points to systemic problems.
"I think it is a good example of lack of progress, but it is certainly not all about beds."
That's because the issue runs much deeper, with a new international survey saying it is a "wake-up call to all politicians".
Research company Ipsos found over the last year, 73 percent of Kiwis aged 18 to 34 years old were so stressed they couldn't cope.
Fifty-one percent felt so stressed they couldn't work and 40 percent felt suicidal or considered self-harm.
Robinson said Aotearoa should treat mental health with the same urgency as COVID-19.
"It's a crisis that's not entirely Andrew Little's, it's multiple years and multiple Governments neglecting mental health."
The Health Minister insists he's working on it.
"We've made a concerted effort since the time we've been in Govt to stop the neglect of mental health and to beef up our frontline services."
It's a worldwide issue that shows no signs of letting up in Aotearoa.
Where to find help and support:
- Shine (domestic violence) - 0508 744 633
- Women's Refuge - 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- What's Up - 0800 WHATS UP (0800 942 8787)
- 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)
- Shakti Community Council - 0800 742 584
