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My sister Tracy Maree Maurer too her own life, while travelling in Chile, 8th September 1999. She was 39 years old and single. She was School Captain of Clayfield Collge in Brisbane, 2nd to the Dux that year, an A Grade Journalist with ABC, and before that The Courier-Mail. She had a passion for life unknown by most people. Perhaps her overdrive hid the pain. In her last 5 years, she dropped out of conventional work, struggled to 'fit-in' with mainstream life, became 'not herself' inappropriate and 'scary' to be around. Mental health stuffed around too long, they stumbled and she fell, and as a family we could not catch her. We still feel the pain, her pain, our pain. But WWDay will raise awareness, and in time I firmly believe, the strangeness of strangers, will become a community care issue, and we'll be better equipped to help people like Tracy, who also called herself 'Meera Grace'. She touched many hearts and I pray this touches yours. May God save all our souls. Matt or her nickname for me 'Pom Pom'.

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I lost my husband Rod to suicide on Wednesday 30th October 2002 (and still as I type these words they seem unbelievable).He was 39 and would have been 40 in May. Ive got 2 sons aged 9 & 6 and they lost their Daddy and they miss him so much. I dont know how I feel today whether its sad or angry it changes from day to day. I miss him lots and keep asking WHY? We were seperated but still seen each other daily. My sons needed and loved him and he knew this, so how does a loving father become suicidal and not put his boys first. My 9yr old is suffering the most from this and I know that is the last person Rod meant to be hurting so I know he never really thought this thru if only he got the help he needed we would still have that special man here with us. Ill miss him forever and know I will never really get over this. Why Rod?

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My father hung himself 4 weeks ago today. Unlike so many we didn't realise the depths of despair that he had fallen into. He had made one attempt only a week earlier. Doctors and ourselves thought that was his lowest point and things could only get better from here on in. He was such an outgoing, dynamic hilariously funny man. I am a Daddy's girl and at 25 would still sit on his lap. We miss him so much and will be in our hearts forever. The hardest thing is seeing your mother go through hell. I am desperate to do more for mental health and suicide prevention but am finding courses only in capital cities...how are we mean't to make a difference if you don't know where to start. My family and i have written to several newspapers and had our story printed. We so desperately want people to know they are not alone. Thanks for listening.

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There are many sorrows and questions in the aftermath of a suicide. While the tormented soul goes in search of happiness in the other world, the ones left behind have to pick up the pieces and make sense of them all. Choosing death over life takes a lot of courage and choosing life over death takes a lot of commitment. Suicide attempts are really a cry for help. In fact, people seek help from many avenues. The thing is people around either know too little to help or simply dismiss it until the sufferers attempt suicide. If you are in doubt, please seek professional help. Psychiatrists can help by prescribing appropriate medication to control the some symptoms of the illness while psychologists are trained to help by problem solving the issues. All I ask is that people are open to utilising the professional resources and not be concerned with the stigma attached with the mental health professions. Afterall, mental health complements physical well-being because health lies on a continuum. Remember, health is not the absence of physical pain and suffering but the overall well-being of the individual. Do not use your yardstick to determine what the sufferer needs, use his/her yardstick instead. My thoughts are with you.

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Just stopped in to find out about White Wreath Day. My last friend that killed himself was called Steve Cullen.There have been others. Another very good friend who took his life is Patty Walker. i have had many suicide attempts and survived. i am lucky.

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My daughter committed suicide on March 25th 2001 at the age of 41 years.

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My daughter committed suicide on March 25th 2001 at the age of 41 years.