I know that there is a worry that if we discuss suicide in an open and frank format it might led to a spate of copycat suicides. By discussing it, people might get ideas and knowledge of suicide and learn how to do it and make it a viable option for a person’s life. So for the most part the theory is to provide support only to those that have attempted suicide or have previous acknoledged mental heath issues. This way suicide wont be normalized.
I honestly think that idea is bullshit. With today’s media and online resources there is easy access to that information. Why hide it in one area when the information is so visible in a completely different area.
If we turn this topic to one of free speech it will open the issue up to, not only closed door session held by the government, but also the average New Zealand citizen to debate the issue. And talking about it is probably the most import thing we can do. If we open the discussion up, we can shed light on this critical issue. It is my opinion that by hiding the issue we create a sense of shame around it. The people who follow through never truly get recognized as we think poorly of them. The ones in pain contemplating this final step never speak out for fear of being branded as weak or shamed. This Is Wrong!
Here is where the media in this country will play a vital role. Most people get their information from the news and online sources. We live in a 24 hour news cycle and they need to be allowed to report and editorialize this issue without government restrictions. Without someone trying to hush us.
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