Never be alone in time of need

SADLY suicides touches us all.

We all know of someone who has taken their own life in recent times.

We all know it is a serious mental health issue but today’s story which shows a 20 per cent rise in suicides in the Far North comes as a shock. It is well above the Queensland increase of 15 per cent.

The most common demographic is men aged 40-45.

More than 2000 people die from suicide in Australia ever year, far more than in road crashes.

But, of concern, is the increase in older people and in a bid to stem the rise the Men’s Shed network has become involved in suicide prevention. It encourages men, who have retired and are at a loss with their time, to join the organisation and meet like-minded fellows.

Many years ago suicide was swept under the carpet. Nobody wanted to touch the subject.

But it reached the stage where it could not be ignored.

Today there is so much help available for people who are vulnerable to suicide. There are 24hour helplines and organisations such as Lifeline and Beyondblue and, closer to home, the Dr Edward Koch Foundation.

Suicide came to the fore in Cairns seven years ago when Declan Crouch, aged just 13, disappeared and his body was found three months later near his Machans Beach home. He had taken his own life.

His mother Ruth launched a campaign to try to stop further suicides. The Declan Crouch Fund was set up. So, you are never alone. Please turn to someone if you are at your darkest hour ... a friend, a family member, a colleague, anyone who will listen and support you. Nick Dalton Deputy editor