FAQs
Q: I am feeling suicidal, where can I get help?
Q: I am really worried about a someone I know. What can I do?
Q: Someone I know has come out of hospital after attempting suicide. How can I help?
Q: How do I find a counsellor/doctor/specialist?
Q: How can I access resources on a particular subject related to suicide?
Q: Can you help me with my tertiary assignment on suicide prevention?
Q: How can I access brochures on a specific topic?
Q: Where can I find the latest New Zealand suicide statistics?
Q: What is SPINZ?
Q: I am feeling suicidal, where can I get help?
Visit our In Crisis page for emergency help and details of where to find others to help you.
It is not uncommon to feel this way. Lots of people have suicidal thoughts and have worked through them. It can feel much worse if you are alone, but you don't need to be alone; there are people who are willing, able and available to help you.
Thoughts and feelings of ending your life can be overwhelming and very frightening; it's very important to ask someone you trust to help you or to contact a health practitioner or support organisation If your request for help isn't heard, ask again. You may need to find someone to assist you to get help.
Q: I am really worried about a family member/friend/work colleague. What can I do?
You can only do what you are able to do; you cannot be completely responsible for another
person's actions.
If someone has thoughts and feelings about suicide take them very seriously:
- Try to make the environment safe from any means of harm.
- If the person is feeling unsafe, or you think they are at high risk, don't leave them alone.
- You could ask someone else to be with them when you need to leave or need time out.
- If they're feeling more settled they might appreciate some time alone. However, don't.
leave them alone for long periods of time. - Be willing to listen, without judgment. Allow the person opportunities to talk honestly with you.
Having Suicidal Thoughts? A brochure with information for you, your family, whaanau and friends, and an online support network.
Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviours: Guidelines online.
Visit our In Crisis page for emergency help and details of where to find others to help you.
Q: A family member/friend/work colleague has just come out of hospital after attempting suicide. How can I help them cope and recover?
Make safety a priority. Research has shown that a person who has attempted to end his or her life has a much higher risk of dying later by suicide.
Safety is ultimately an individual's responsibility, but often a person who feels suicidal has a difficult time making good choices.
Reduce the Risk at Home:
- Guns should be taken out of the home and secured elsewhere.
- Keep all pain medications in small quantities only, or consider keeping them in a locked container. And remove unused or expired medicine from the home.
- Keep only small quantities of alcohol in the home, or none at all.
- Create a safety plan.
Having Suicidal Thoughts? A brochure with information for you, your family, whaanau and friends, and an online support network.
Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviours: Guidelines online.
Q: How do I find a counsellor/doctor/specialist?
Visit our pages on Finding a Doctor and Finding a Counsellor.
Q: How can I access research and general resources on a particular subject related to suicide?
One of the key roles of SPINZ is providing good quality information. Visit our online Resource Finder to do your own search and downloads. We also have a subject request service that can provide a resource list tailored to your needs. This is a free service. Email info "at" spinz.org.nz or phone (09) 300 7035.
Q: Can you help me with my tertiary assignment on suicide prevention?
One of the key roles of SPINZ is providing good quality information. Visit our online Resource Finder to do your own search and downloads. We also have a subject request service that can provide a resource list tailored to your needs. This is a free service. Email info "at" spinz.org.nz or phone (09) 300 7035.
Key resources to start your study are:
New Zealand Suicide Prevention Action Plan 2008-2012, 2008
Effective strategies for suicide prevention in New Zealand: A review of the evidence, 2007 New Zealand Medical Journal, 120 (1251). Beautrais, Annette et al.
NZ Suicide Prevention Strategy:2006-2016, 2006
Social Explanations for Suicide in New Zealand, 2005
Suicide Prevention: A review of evidence of risk and protective factors, and points of effective intervention, 2005. Beautrais, Annette et al.
Te Rau Hinengaro: The NZ Mental Health Survey 2006, including Chapter 7 on suicidal behaviour.
Note: Suicide can be a distressing topic to study. SPINZ advises that assignments undertaken on this topic are done with the agreement and support of your tutor, and the support of your family and close friends.
Q: How can I access brochures on a specific topic?
We have several brochures searchable in our Resource Finder, and available from the Mental Health Foundation's Online Shop, phone (09) 300 7030. Most resources are supplied free. If you have any questions, you can contact SPINZ directly by email info "at" spinz.org.nz or phone: (09) 300 7035.
Q: Where can I find the latest New Zealand suicide statistics?
Due to the Coronial Court system into sudden deaths, these is a delay with these statistics. Access the latest.
Q: What is SPINZ?
SPINZ stands for Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand. It is a non-government, national information service. Its role is to provide high quality information to promote safe and effective suicide prevention activities. It is part of the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, and is contracted by the Ministry of Health to provide its services.
Our staff work with organisations who work with people who may be at risk of suicide. This can include social workers, public health units and organisations, primary health organisations, schools, youth workers, iwi, social services, churches, carers, researchers, clinicians, and government departments.
SPINZ is not a crisis or counselling service.
Read more about SPINZ
Read about SPINZ history
