Tokelau, a small Pacific nation with a population of just 1,600, has launched its first national mental health survey as part of a broader Pacific-wide research initiative. This survey, conducted by a team led by Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga and Professor Judith McCool from the University of Auckland, wrapped up on May 8, 2025, with over 300 residents participating. The survey aims to raise awareness of mental health issues, especially following recent youth suicides that deeply impacted the community.
Mental Health Distress in Tokelau
The survey is part of the broader Pacific Mental Health Survey Series, which previously included Sāmoa and Tonga. It revealed a notable prevalence of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and conditions related to climate change. Professor Tukuitonga emphasized that while these issues may not always be severe, they are affecting the community, with mental health challenges like anxiety and depression appearing relatively common.
Raising Awareness in Tokelau
This initiative is the first of its kind in Tokelau, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Dr. George Tuitama, head of the mental health unit in Sāmoa and clinical lead for the project, shared that there was high demand for mental health talks across Tokelau. This is the first time the community has engaged in such a mental health awareness project, and it generated a great deal of interest, particularly in light of the recent suicides.
“We had a meeting with Taupulega (local village councils), and they immediately saw the importance of mental health awareness and screening,” Dr. Tuitama said. The project not only aimed to gather data but also served as an educational campaign. It included presentations to various community groups, including schools, local councils, and healthcare staff across the three atolls of Tokelau—Atafu, Fakaofo, and Nukunonu.
Collaborations and Local Engagement
The project was generously funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). Despite the logistical challenges of reaching Tokelau, a nation without an airport and accessible only by infrequent ferry rides from Sāmoa, the research team succeeded in completing the survey.
Dr. Tuitama noted the strong support from Tokelau’s local authorities, with requests pouring in for mental health workshops, particularly for the youth, who are considered a high-risk group. Teachers also expressed a keen interest in gaining knowledge about mental health to better support students.
The survey served as a stepping stone for further initiatives, with Taupulega requesting separate sessions for males and females to address specific needs. The church leaders in Tokelau also expressed interest in expanding mental health discussions into schools and youth workshops.
The Role of Mental Health in Overall Wellbeing
Dr. Tuitama emphasized that people in Tokelau are beginning to understand the connection between mental health and overall wellbeing. As awareness spreads, more and more individuals are becoming open to discussing mental health, which has long been an under-discussed topic in the community.
In addition to the awareness campaign, clinical experts like Dr. Tuitama also worked directly with patients dealing with acute mental health issues, providing support and conducting training sessions for healthcare professionals across the three atolls.
Looking Ahead
The research team is now focused on analyzing the data collected from the survey. This effort, along with continued collaboration between Tokelau and experts from Sāmoa and New Zealand, will provide valuable insights into the mental health challenges facing the region.
Professor Sir Collin Tukuitonga expressed his appreciation for the strong relationships and trust between the research team and the people of Tokelau, which was essential for the success of the project. He believes that the survey’s findings will help guide future mental health initiatives in Tokelau and the broader Pacific region.
The mental health survey is just the beginning for Tokelau, as the community begins to confront and address mental health issues head-on, fostering a more open and supportive environment for mental wellbeing.
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