A recent mental health survey has revealed that Maori are almost twice as likely to attempt suicide as non-Maori and much more likely to suffer from mental disorder generally than other New Zealanders.
The survey conducted by the Health Ministry has been the first to shed light on the prevalence of mental disorders among different ethnic groups in this country.Interviews were conducted with 13 thousand people, including 2600 Maori.
It was found that thirty percent of the Maoris surveyed had suffered from a mental disorder in the past year, compared to 19 percent for other groups.
The Ministry says Maori are also more than twice as likely to attempt suicide as non-Maori.
Disturbingly what was found was that a third of the mental disorder suffered by Maori was serious. However, less than half of those affected sought help.
The survey also found that the unmet need for mental health services is even greater among younger and Pacific people.
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NLA
