decorahnews.com begins series of suicide related stories

(by decorahnews.com's Bob Felde):

Beginning with an article about a "Question, Persuade and Refer" workshop, decorahnews.com is starting a series of articles about suicide and related mental health topics.
 
The topic seems to be on our minds in Decorah.  Two young Decorah men are currently canoeing the Mississippi on a "Paddle for Prevention" that benefits suicide prevention programs.  You can visit our stories at http://www.decorahnews.com/archived-stories/2015/05/10926.html and at http://www.decorahnews.com/archived-stories/2015/06/11189.html . And, of course, the tragedy of a junior high student who committed suicide at the end of last school year lingers in the thoughts of people in our community.
 
One reader asked us if doing this series wouldn't dredge up wounds for individuals within the community.  The answer, of course, is yes, the reminder of a tragedy and loss is never easy.  That doesn't mean those reminders are bad.  We think it is healthy to think of the discussion as part of a grieving process that will assist in healing, understanding the issues of a serious problem, and acting as a vehicle to assist in thinking about prevention efforts in our families and community.