Opinion: Now let's continue the mental health conversation

Jono Pryor (right) touched a chord this week. Photo/File

Too often lately I have heard of young people taking their own lives. In many cases it has come to a huge shock to people around them - the outgoing, popular person who seemingly had it all but were hiding private struggles behind the smiles.

Suicide is undeniably a massive issue in this country and one many don't like to talk about, seeing mental health problems as a reason for shame and embarrassment.

Thankfully, the conversations previous stoic and macho New Zealanders need to have are starting to be heard.

This week, on a show normally the domain of harmless pranks and laughter, TV comedian Jono Pryor made an emotional tribute to a mate who had died suddenly, pleading with those suffering a mental illness to know no one thought less of them for talking about it, for taking medication or for dealing with it. Afterwards, he was embraced by his friend and Jono and Ben co-star Ben Boyce. It was tough to watch.

The reaction, overwhelmingly positive, has been huge. While numerous health and community groups have been working hard to convey the same message for some time, the sight of those two 'blokey blokes' embracing and the simple but raw words of Pryor seem to have hit a chord.

It's now up to us to carry that conversation on. Reach out to someone you think may be struggling, reach out if you are the one struggling yourself. Talk about it, get help.

Too many good people have been lost to this, we need to start fighting back.

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The other big news yesterday was the uproar over the fatal shooting of Auckland Airport security dog Grizz.

Staff spent more than three hours trying to catch him after he was spooked and escaped from his handler early yesterday morning.

Police were called in and staff told them to shoot Grizz, who was apparently distressed and not letting anyone near him.

Sixteen flights were understood to have been delayed during the incident, thought it was last night unclear what part, if any, that played in the decision to shoot the dog.

The story quickly spread around the world with many asking why a tranquilliser gun wasn't used.

Such reactions are understandable. I was as taken aback as anyone to hear how the incident ended - surely, we think, there was another option?

But one thing is for sure - the people that work with dogs such as Grizz love and respect them more than anyone, so would not have wanted this outcome either. As shocking as it seems, killing a dog would not have been a decision taken lightly and I can only hope the investigation concludes there really was no other option.

Where to get help:

Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)

Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)

Youthline: 0800 376 633

Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)

Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (Mon-Fri 1pm to 10pm. Sat-Sun 3pm-10pm)

Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)

Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155

Samaritans 0800 726 666

If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.