NRL & Mate Ma'a Tonga star Andrew Fifita shares the moment he tried to take his own life
* Trigger warning - this article and videos on this page contains discussions about mental health issues & suicide. Viewer discretion and parental guidance is advised.
NRL & Mate Ma'a Tonga star Andrew Fifita shares the moment he tried to take his own life and his journey with Mental Health and depression in the video above.
His story is a reminder that Mental Health is an issue for everyone. As friends and family we too need to be brave enough to ask the simple question: Are you OK?
In New Zealand, the most recent year for which we have provisional suicide data is from July 2018 – June 2019. This data shows suicide rates at a record high of 685 over that period with New Zealand having one of the highest youth suicide rates in the OECD.
Over the last year the figures have shown both a decrease in youth suicides and the suicide rate among Māori and Pacific Islanders. The Mental Health Foundation particularly commended the efforts of Māori and Pasifika organisations to support their people and prevent suicide. Any number is too high though. Zero lives is the goal.
A few years ago 'The Footy Show' gave an exclusive insight into one of the biggest issues facing Rugby League and society today – Depression.
Preston Campbell and Reni Maitua share their battles with depression and Shanice Alaiasa shares the pain of being the one left behind after her partner Mosese Fotuaika took his life.
To understand what depression is, how to get help and tips on getting well and keeping well - check out Le Va Pasifika's Depression Factsheet and resources available for download here in English, Maori, Samoan and Tongan.
Try the Croo app - a safe and secure app that monitors a person's mental wellness and notifies trusted family and friends (their 'croo) when their 'wellness signal' appears vulnerable.
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Where you can get help:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider.
However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call 111.
If you need to talk to someone, the following free helplines operate 24/7:
DEPRESSION HELPLINE: 0800 111 757
LIFELINE: 0800 543 354
SAMARITANS: 0800 726 666
YOUTHLINE: 0800 376 633 or text 234
1737 NEED TO TALK? Call or text 1737