17-05-2025
Call for better psych services amid mental health 'crisis'
Wānaka-Upper Clutha Community Board members are calling for better services to end the "tragic" mental health crisis in the region, as suicide rates increase.
The most recent Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora data shows suicides have increased to 23 in the Lakes District — the biggest shift in over a decade.
The rate had steadily been around 16 to 18 people a year between 2017 and 2022.
Community board member Linda Joll said there was now a mental health crisis in the region.
Youth mental health should be the focus, as young people who did not get the support they needed in school would struggle once they left, she said.
"It starts at [school], but it doesn't stop when you leave."
A recent report by Health Action Wānaka further highlights the dire state of mental health services in Wānaka, proving residents struggle with high costs, long wait times and limited specialist availability.
The report states that youth and adolescents are especially vulnerable, with youth-focused mental health services being limited.
When it came to mild and moderate mental health issues, young people had some support through school counsellors or services such as Kahu Youth and ADL, a not-for-profit organisation supporting young people's mental health in the South Island.
However, there was less availability of mental health specialists and services for long-term issues after young people left school.
Youth worker at Kahu Youth, Imogen Smith, said the main issues young people in Wānaka dealt with included anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts, which stemmed from social pressure online.
"Body image issues is quite a big one as well, I think, especially with all the social media and the pressures that young people face," she said.
She agreed there was room for improvement with services in Wānaka and identified that there were not a lot of long-term services or adequate crisis intervention.
Dunstan Hospital had the nearest mental health crisis team, which had a tedious process with long wait times, Ms Smith said.
Kahu Youth operations director Anna Sutherland said the root of the issue was the region's inability to keep up with growth.
She felt that, in addition to having more services and specialists, being able to grow existing services would also benefit young people in Wānaka.
ADL chief executive Clive McArthur said referrals had increased across the lower South Island over the last five years with most being in the 15- to 18-year-old age group. That was also due to an increase in demand.
"I think mental health has far less stigma around that than it had before. People are seeking help earlier than they did," he said.
From the referrals ADL had received across more remote regions, there were challenges for young people living in rural areas, especially if they belonged to a minority.
"That sense of isolation can compound other issues. For example, if you're the only one or two or three people in a particular ethnic group in your area."
There was a great need for more consultants and psychology specialists across the region, Mr McArthur said.
"We've had huge growth in Wānaka and the services haven't grown in response to that."
Where to get help Healthline 0800 611 116
0800 611 116 Lifeline Aotearoa 0800 543 354
0800 543 354 Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) Youthline 0800 376 633 txt 234 or talk@
0800 376 633 txt 234 or talk@ What's Up (for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800 942 8787
(for 5-18 year olds; 1pm-11pm): 0800 942 8787 Kidsline (aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline)
(aimed at children up to age 14; 4pm-6pm weekdays): 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) Rainbow youth (LGBTQ youth helpline): (09) 3764155
