While discussions of suicide are becoming more common, people still need to learn the signs that someone may be suicidal in order to prevent the loss of life, said Dr. Bill Sheehan, medical director of the Adult Mental Health Division of the state Department of Health.

"We have to be ready to respond to the signals," Sheehan told a group of health officials, social workers and educators yesterday at the first statewide suicide prevention conference at the Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio.

"Suicide is everyone's business," he said.

The goal of the conference, which continues today in Waikiki, is to increase know-ledge of suicide prevention strategies and ultimately reduce the number of suicide attempts in the state, health officials said.

The conference, "Building a Safety Net — Getting Connected for Suicide Prevention," includes discussion panels and local and national speakers.

Sheehan, who gave the keynote address at yesterday's conference, said the stigma surrounding suicide has lessened over the years and more people are comfortable discussing the topic. That has paved the way for prevention training and more resources available to those who are suicidal, he said.

He said 23 years ago, when he was in his psychiatric residency, "suicide really wasn't talked about."

"Now there are literally thousands of resources available," he said.

One person dies of suicide every three days in Hawai'i — about 123 a year — the second leading cause of injury death in the state, according to the state Department of Health.

For every suicide, there are 12 attempts. Young people are at the highest risk for suicide attempts, according to the state Health Department.

Yesterday's conference also included a one-hour discussion with three teenagers who participated in a Suicide Prevention Health Class at Kamehameha Schools in September. The class was sponsored in part by the state Suicide Prevention Steering Committee.

"(The class) opened my eyes to what could happen if someone commits suicide," said Caitlyn Flynn, a student at Kamehameha Schools.

She told the audience that the prevention class made her understand the far-reaching effects suicide can have.

All three students said meeting people who have dealt directly with suicide made them understand the various signs.

One of those people was Pua Kaninau, a mother who lost her son to suicide in 2003.

"Aunty Pua made me realize it affects more people than you think," said Shanelle Cabona, a Kamehameha Schools student from Kailua.

"If I see someone who is depressed, or sad, I know I have to do something. If I just let it go and they actually hurt themselves, that's on me, too," she said.

The teens also discussed ways that teachers or counselors can approach students who may be dealing with emotional problems. They also encouraged adults to take any talk of suicide or threats seriously.