Columns

We’re taking a look at mental health issues this week, specifically depression and suicide. They’re tricky subjects to talk about, and even trickier to talk about in a way that isn’t going to cause more harm than good. I hope that you get something out these articles. It’s unusual not to have been affected in some way by depression or suicide, either personally or through the suffering of friends or family.

I have never suffered from depression or been close to the point of taking my own life. I don’t know what it’s like to be in that moment. But I do know what it’s like to be on the other side, and it’s horrific. I’ve lost a couple of mates to depression and suicide. It is a tragic, useless waste of a young life. You wish you could grab them and make them understand how important they are to you, how much you need them. As you will read in the first-hand accounts of sufferers in the articles, the most important thing that you can do is to be there to offer support and assist them in getting the help they need.

In other news, we’re halfway through the year. Well, halfway through the Critic year. Critic costs each of you roughly 12 cents per issue, and I hope you consider that value for money. But we’re always looking for feedback on how we’re doing and what you think. It’s pretty fucking hard to make a magazine that 20,000 different individuals will enjoy, and inevitably we’re going to fail. But your feedback goes a long way towards helping us get closer to making that happen. If you’ve got something to say, email critic@critic.co.nz and let us know what you think. We might even take it on board.

And while it’s a bit early to be thanking everyone, there are a few people in line for a mid-year mention. News Editor Charlotte Greenfield is done with uni and off to bigger things, and we wish her all the best. Thanks to Sam McChesney, who did his best to tidy up my lazy grammar throughout the semester, and a big thanks to Andy Weston, Lucinda McConnon, Daniel Alexander, and everyone else who helped us get Critic out the door during some challenging times this semester. And a special thank you to Andrew Jacombs, the Critic Designer and Art Director for the past 18-months. Though you’ve moved on mate, we’ll never forget what you gave to this place, and that you left us a much stronger magazine then when you found us. Good luck for the future.

Good luck with exams and enjoy your holiday. We’ll be waiting for you when you get back.

- Joe Stockman