Shortland Street you did it well. The writers, crew and cast - especially 15-year-old actor KJ Apa - and the advisers from the Mental Health Foundation all deserve enormous bouquets. The soap handled the recent storyline around youth suicide with great sensitivity.
I'm sure many families would have gained helpful insight into the difficult area of depression (and sadly, often suicide) among our young people. According to provisional data from the chief coroner, in the year to June 30, 104 New Zealanders aged between 15 and 25 have taken their own lives.
The Mental Health Foundation advised on scripts for the story of Kane Jenkins (played by Apa) and his decline into depression. Their expert advice meant the removal of specific information around his attempt at suicide to discourage any copycat scenario.
As a bipolar sufferer, I have struggled with depression and my first bewildering experience was when I was about the same age as our on-screen Kane. I remember the lethargy and the anxiety and not knowing what was happening to me. I also remember when I couldn't concentrate enough to do a casual school holiday job, telling my friends I had glandular fever, and the difficult transition back into ordinary school life.
This young actor managed perfectly to depict that decline into a serious depression. His body language was faultless. He even seemed to have the "dead eyes" I associate with depression.
To see him gradually emerge from that state with the support of family and friends was heartening. Then, it was so positive when he saw that chink of light at the end of the often long and dark tunnel.
And subtle little gems of relevant advice were thrown in - like the importance of good nutrition, exercise and being able to talk through issues.
The entire situation was carefully handled with extra staff on duty in telephone crisis centres the week the programme was shown, which coincided with Mental Health Awareness Week.
Yes, you did well Shortland Street. And who knows, maybe our dear old 7pm soap saved a precious young life out there.
Where to get help:
• Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
• Youth services: (06) 3555 906
• Youthline: 0800 376 633
• Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (4pm to 6pm weekdays)
• Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
• The Word
• Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
• Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
• CASPER Suicide Prevention
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Robyn Yousef is an Auckland writer.