| Suicide prevention and support

	Article	Documentation
Exercise better than drugs Expert Dr. Shawn D. Youngstedt from the University of South Carolina,It's far clearer that exercise has wonderful benefits. It's better than drugs for diabetes, mental health, cancer prevention." This contrasts with the statement of the New Zealand Guidelines Group on treatment of depression that "There was insufficient evidence to determine whether exercise is effective for the treatment of depression in young people." We suggest its worth trying before using medication known to at least double the risk of suicide in young people...	View article
Medication & Marriage Break Up Responsible for Suicide The Coroner found that the factors involved in this suicide were psychotropic drugs, marriage break up, financial pressures and business stress, not any mental disorder. He expressed concerns at government action to make misuse of this drug easier by reducing restrictions on prescribing and recommended the government review the prescription of hypnotic medicines such as sleeping pill Zopiclone. Our thanks to Ms McAuley's family for the contribution they have made to preventing future suicides by participating in the inquest process.	View article
The Choking Game In this case, the coroner did not rule the death to be suicide, but another coroner may have found differently. CASPER has been told by young people that this game - known as the choking game, breathing game or space monkey - is common. People assume that because they can hold their breath for a period of time they will be able to start breathing again when they want to. They have no idea that they can lose consciousness in 6-20 seconds. They need to know this. Many of us who have lost a child to suicide by hanging wonder if our child was experimenting and believed they could stop at the last moment. Most suicides are not full suspensions meaning the person is touching the ground. We may prevent some by talking to kids about this and letting them know that while they think they can, they may not be able to just stand up and change their minds, or end the game.	View article
TV3 report on alarming increases in antidepressant prescribing TV3 story on the sharp rate of antidepressant prescribing in recent years with a particular focus on children. Features interviews with Maria from CASPER, a Paediatrician who says there is no evidence the drugs are effective and the Mental Health Foundation expressing concerns at the increases in prescribing.	View article
Coroner at odds with ministry on suicide The Chief Coroner wants restrictions eased on the reporting of suicides, a suggestion that pits him against the Ministry of Health's position for the past decade.	View article
Funds cut for suicide bereaved A counselling service for people who have lost family members to suicide has suffered a government funding cut, despite relatives being at greater risk of self-harm.	View article