Our View: The silent epidemic we can't hide from | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

It is New Zealand's silent epidemic.

Each year, about 540 people commit suicide - a shocking figure that's 50 per cent higher than the road toll.

But while road carnage regularly makes headlines, suicide is seldom reported in the media and not often talked about in general.

This country has some of the world's most restrictive suicide reporting laws. Currently, coroners are restricted in what information can be released to name, age, occupation and finding of self-inflicted death.

Journalists are bound by this legislation. There are also Ministry of Health guidelines which, among other recommendations, say the media should avoid "sensationalising, glamourising or romanticising suicide or giving it undue prominence".

Now there is a sign things may change. Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean has called for more debate about suicide reporting after releasing new statistics.

 Judge MacLean says there are concerns media reporting can cause copycat suicides, but he says responsible reporting may potentially save lives.

Suicide Prevention Information New Zealand says there is strong evidence to suggest caution is needed.

Health Ministry officials are also not convinced and particularly discourage reporting of suicide methods and frequent or repetitive reporting of suicide.

The chief coroner's call is welcome and timely.

This debate is sorely needed.

The suicide figure of 540 is appalling, each one a personal and family tragedy. There can be no argument that the pain and trauma of these events cut deeply for loved ones left behind.

But in some cases, family members do want to talk.

Given our terrible suicide rate, it can be argued the current reporting regime is not working and there is a need for change.

Few people would want to see details of how people take their own lives made public, or such cases sensationalised, but a greater understanding of the issue and discussion on the reasons behind why people take their own life and where people can seek help would be helpful.

In certain cases, it may be prudent to report on individual cases, with care and sensitivity of course. The media would take a responsible approach, as it does with sex crime cases.

As for the copycat argument, one international expert says this is vastly overstated.

Professor Robert Goldney, of Australia, says the media have been unfairly used as a whipping post when it comes to their impact on people taking their own lives. "Their influence accounts for only about 2 per cent of suicides overall in the community and they may actually help prevent suicide by destigmatising depression."

This is a debate this country needs to have.