NZ 7s star raises awareness for suicide prevention and mental health

Lifeline Fiji hosted a gala event last night to raise funds and awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. Former New Zealand Rugby sevens captain DJ Forbes was guest of honour at the event.

Mr Forbes said he chose to support the event and Lifeline Fiji because “Fiji holds a close place to my heart”.

“Just using my platform to find ways to give back and to help the next generation of people is something hold close to my heart.

“It’s a great opportunity to raise awareness around mental health.

Mr Forbes acknowledged that the younger generation had some unique challenges that negatively affect mental health, such as cyberbullying and social media.

As a young parent, he has come face to face with these issues.

“As parents we need to make sure we’re supporting our kids and finding ways to manage what we can, but I think it’s important also as parents to actually reach out and ask for help,” Mr Forbes said.

His message to anyone struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts is to find a support system and realise you’re not alone, even though it may feel like that.

“Events like these are really good to let people know that we’re here to help and that we want to help and that there are ways to overcome what they’re going through,” he said.

Mr Forbes hopes that his fame as a rugby player will draw more people to the issue and spark new conversation. “Rugby is rugby, but I’m here to try to serve and do more than that,” Mr Forbes said.

“It’s easy to stand here and talk about issues and talk about ideas, but obviously we need the support and resources behind it.

“The kids and the people need this chance, they need this help in terms of overcoming what they’re going through,” he added.

There is a clear need for the support that Mr Forbes discussed.

According to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji has one of the highest suicide rates in the world.

Officer in Charge of Lifeline Fiji Jeremaia Merekula has seen this epidemic during his time working for the organisation. He stated that last year their hotline received close to 2000 calls and that this year they have received around 400.

The majority of the calls were individuals ages 15-30, but Mr Merekula said they had received calls from people as young as 11 and from those in their 70s as well.

He said the funds raised during Saturday night’s gala will go towards raising mental health awareness in communities.

For those struggling with these issues, Mr Merekula recommends reaching out and talking to others.

“A problem shared is a problem halved,” he said.

Lifeline Fiji’s toll-free hotline is 132-454. It is available 24/7, with certified hotline workers ready to help.

Edited by Percy Kean

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