SOSAD – Save Our Sons And Daughters

N.Z. Journalist Keith Newman implores us to Save Our Sons and Daughters

The statistics suggest less young people committed suicide in the past three years where statistics are available than was the trend for the previous decade. Shouldn’t we be pleased, relieved even. But what about 2006, 2007 and 2008? Statistically we’re living in the past.

Prior to 1999 there was frightening five year trend showing an epidemic rise in young people ending their lives. It’s not just youth either, young men and women in their early 20s and 30s are giving up on life in record numbers. And what about those who try and fail? Or those who die in traffic ‘accidents’ but intended to use the car as a means to end their lives? It’s not time to sit back and believe old data. It’s time for positive, preventative action.

Speak up. . . Don’t accept surface chatter, get heart-to heart with each other, with teens and those at risk. Be part of the solution. Be there for each other. Don’t bottle it up, talk about it!