Photo: Supplied / Grace Curtis
It's often described as the silent killer - on average, about 500 New Zealanders die each year by suicide, more than in motor accidents and drownings combined. And behind each of those deaths, are families and friends whose lives are changed forever.
Mental health advocate Grace Curtis knows the full weight of that all too well - she was 22 when she lost her father to suicide. Since then, she's created a mental health movement called Cool Change NZ and finished a double degree in Law and Political Science at the University of Canterbury.
Grace chronicles her personal journey through deep grief to advocacy and healing in The Best is Yet to Come.
Mental health advocate Grace Curtis and broadcaster Mihingarangi Forbes. Photo: RNZ / Jessie Chiang
If you are affected by this story, to get help:
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
In an emergency call 111.
