''It's a really difficult problem with tragic consequences and it has an impact on so many people, but the truth is there are no simple answers ... If only there were,'' Prof Mulder said.
''What we do know is that despite good efforts over a number of years, the rate of suicide hasn't really reduced, so the traditional model for tackling the problem has failed.''
The traditional model focused on ''high-risk'' groups and directed resources towards trying to identify who might be at such a risk and treating them.
''That was never going to work, thinking if we could predict this, we could stop people. That was an unrealistic approach.''
Most people who took their own lives were not from the ''high-risk group'', he told the more than 180 people attending a suicide awareness meeting organised by Casper (Community Action on Suicide Prevention, Education and Research) and Central Otago Life Matters.
Prof Mulder, who is the head of psychological medicine at the University of Otago, based in Christchurch, said it was time to look at other strategies such as taking a universal approach.
''There's no one, simple solution. If it was that easy, the government would have poured a fortune into it.''
A broad-based, multi-agency response, targeting everyone and geared towards making communities more cohesive and supportive, could have the ''side effect'' of addressing suicide rates, he said.
''A broader response would destigmatise distress, strengthen people's resilience. These are all things that do work.
''We can teach gatekeepers in the community, people like teachers and taxi drivers, what signs to look for; we can make support services more accessible, foster collegiality in the community, which is a good thing to do anyway.
''The aim is to try and improve the general mental health of the community. That seems the logical way to go.''
The United States Army had introduced a wide range of suicide prevention measures, which had reduced the suicide rate in the force by more than 30%, Prof Mulder said. However, those in the army system were trained to obey orders and employees were obliged to go for counselling or treatment as required.
''I don't know how that would work outside of the army, when you can't force people to seek help or to accept treatment. Try persuading a 19-year-old to do what you want.''
Suicide was generally an impulsive gesture, so restricting the access to means such as poisons and firearms was another way to address the issue, Prof Mulder said.
Where to seek help
Lifeline: 0800-543-354
Depression Helpline (8am to midnight) 0800-111-757
Healthline: 0800-611-116
Youthline: 0800-376-633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
