[suicide] iceland marches against it

Perfect example of Icelandic news being serious enough by its own lights but always having that strange edge to it: Close to 500 marched the streets of Reykjavík last night, to show support in the fight against suicide. The march ended with a candle floating in the Reykjavík pond in memory of those who have taken their own lives, RÚV reports. This year’s slogan is ‘Growing knowledge – more hope: Together we strengthen mental health and reduce suicide’. Minister of Health, Siv Fridleifsdóttir, opened a conference on it and she said mental health is of great importance and deserves much attention. This was reported by mbl.is. I have visions of a cadet reporter asking her, ‘Is mental health important?’