Pasifika Mental Health Worker’s Perspectives on Suicide Ideation Amongst Pasifika Young Women in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand (NZ) has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the developed world. Specifically, suicide rates for the Pacific population showed an increase from 7.2% to 9.6% in 2021 (Mental Health Foundation, 2022). A greater proportion of Pacific youth reported having increased risks of serious mental disorders and suicidality (12%) over the past few years, compared with their European peers (3%). Further, Pacific youth were also less likely to benefit from or access mental health services (Kapeli, Manuela & Sibley, 2020). Suicide ideation refers to thinking about or making plans to commit suicide, according to Harmer et al. (2024). Suicide ideations are higher amongst Pacific youth than in the general population (Teevale et al., 2016). A report from the NZ Youth19 survey indicates that the rates of significant depressive symptoms are high among Pacific females with a rate of 33% compared to 15% for Pacific males (Gossage et al., 2022).

Suicide is rarely discussed with individuals who have lived experience due to the extensive stigma of talking about suicide. Due to their interactions with Pacific youth, Pacific mental health care workers are uniquely positioned to provide insight into suicide ideation. This research aimed to explore mental health workers perspectives on how suicide ideation affects the highest at-risk group, young Pacific women. To capture the perspectives and experiences of the healthcare workers, the Talanoa methodology was utilized to carry out the research. One-on-one Talanoa was carried out with seven Pacific mental health workers across Auckland, which was conducted between August – November 2023. Perspectives and experiences were then analysed using thematic analysis, which revealed emerging themes from the engagement of mental health workers with young Pacific women dealing with suicidal ideation.

Themes that emerged from the Talanoa were the relationship between young Pacific women and parents and how this can contribute to a young woman’s emotional well-being. Furthermore, the significance of trust, cultural awareness and creating safe environments for expression and young Pacific woman’s ability to feel supported when emotionally distressed. Pacific Mental Health workers highlighted how services could be better enhanced to support young Pacific women experiencing suicidal ideation. It is my hope that this research can improve the stigma surrounding suicide and promote the Talanoa method to the general community to enable safe spaces and healing opportunities.