SUICIDES IN OTAGO AND SOUTHLAND

 I have learnt that stress and anxiety can trigger depression. And depression, if not treated, can increase the risk of possible suicide.

Increase in suicides

 “Statistics released by the chief coroner showed reported suicides in Otago and Southland had increased 62% from 37 suicides in 2007-8 to 60 suicides in 2009-10. Nationally, figures have remained almost the same, with reported suicided numbering 541 in 2007-8, 531 in 2008-09 and 541 in 2009-10. This is about  50% higher than the road toll.”

 (A Southern Rural Life / Courier Country publication, September / October 2010)

Decline in Church Attendance

“While the church* used to be one of the key supports for families in the rural communities, attendance was declining through natural attrition as well as  people’s increasing mobility and the fact that they were becoming busier with other activities.” Jenny Campbell (Lay minister)

( A Southern Rural life / Courier Country publication, September / October 2010)

From this I learn that with a decline in Church attendance comes an incrase in suicides.

*CHURCH:

“The church may be defined as the communion of saints, that is, of those who truly believe on Christ, in which the gospel is rightly preached and the sacraments properly administered.” (20th Century Bible Dictionary, The Compact Companion for Daily Bible Reading)