Editorial: We must tackle the S-word

Whangarei is reeling from a tragedy.

Two young people are suspected of taking their own lives in the past month. They knew each other and died weeks apart.

I must say "suspected" because there are official investigations under way into the exact cause of the deaths of these young people.

It is a cold sentence to write when there are families grieving, broken-hearted at the senseless loss.

And as a journalist, I am one of thousands who have decided it is sometimes easier to ignore the subject, than tread the sometimes complicated path - due to agreed national guidelines - that one walks before writing on the subject.

Sadly, in our communities, suicide is the S word. And not far behind it is the D word - depression.

Suicide is not the answer - but it is the problem we all have to solve.

Until we can openly talk about it, how to stop it, learn what the warning signs are and how people can "self diagnose" that they might be at risk, it will continue to shock us.

Nothing I can write or say will make a difference right this minute, other than that we own this tragedy together as a community and please support, awhi these families, even if you think you don't really know them that well.

And commit in your own small way to doing what you can to help prevent the suicide of anyone, of any age group, in our community.