Re "Youth mental health campaign" (Leader, April 15).
I am writing to commend, applaud and thank your editorial staff for this front page story and special report.
This is a subject that needs to be brought out of the shadows. You've written about normal everyday people, not celebrities, highlighting that it can happen to anybody — what an eye-opener! And a great boost for raising awareness of mental health.
And yes, sadly, it is the biggest cause of death among our youth.
Six young adults take their own lives every day! Forty-two a week, aged under 45. A horrifying statistic and toll on our children.
This was all brought home to me when my son took his own life two years ago.
He was a well respected, talented, beautiful, young generous soul. And he was only 27.
You ask in your editorial: what more can be done to tackle this problem? I have been actively pursuing this cause for two years.
I have organised presentations in our local schools with the assistance of beyondblue, Lifeline and the Black Dog Institute.
Young people will not reach out for help, but with these mass presentations they can find the help they need recognise the problems they face, and understand they are not alone.
As a grieving mother who has suffered depression and the stigma of suicide by society, I thank you for your bold initiative.
Katrina Tsaftaropoulos, Allawah
