It is a subject that remains difficult to talk about. The red flags are often unnoticed, or quietly hidden away.

The Black Dog Ride on Sunday aims to change this. It was a heartening show of solidarity among those who love to get out on the open road. Of men and women coming together to say it’s time to talk. To lend an open ear to a mate who might be in trouble. 

There are more than seven deaths by suicide in this country every day, according to Lifeline statistics. That is seven deaths too many.

It is the hardest question to ask a mate - “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” - but it could be the very question that saves a person’s life.