Welsh academic dies - sad tale - but it was suicide

We want people who are feeling desperate to know that ending their lives by suicide is not acceptable; just as we want and hope that they will always find support and strength to push through their difficulties. And, while Ms Medley's difficulties were not going to pass and she was facing the trajectory that all MS sufferers do, acceptance of one's increasing limitations and deterioration and looking positively to what they still can do should still provide impetus to want to help – to want to stop that suicide.

Some suicide prevention associations understand this while some remain silent. Yes, there are differences between, say, a young person attempting suicide over a broken relationship and people in Ms Medley's circumstances, but significant danger lurks in accepting a different attitude to suicide of a sick or infirmed person than from any other.

As with euthanasia, should we accept that suicide can, in some circumstances, be rational and even laudable, we send a confusing mixed message to vulnerable people – particularly the young. Additionally, we risk becoming numb and even subtly endorsing some suicides – particularly those that are reported in the press.

If we're going to accept the justification of illness or disability for suicide or euthanasia then, over time, we'll also come to accept other criteria and expand the range of acceptable illnesses and disabilities. We cannot take a harm-minimization approach to suicide.

The Wales Online report is well written and focusses on the loss and also on the achievements of clearly a vivacious, community spirited woman. It, thankfully, does not make the error – as so many do - of turning the story into an argument for euthanasia or assisted suicide. It isn't.

If you are experiencing difficulties and are in need of help, we encourage you to call LifeLine on 13 11 14. Or visit the HeadSpace website or YouthBeyondBlue.