Are you having serious thoughts about suicide? Do you have a plan and the means to carry it out?

If so, call 999 RIGHT NOW.

Or look in your phone book for local crisis support services.

Don't try to cope alone. There are people out there who will be willing to help you.

You are not a bad person, weak, or selfish because you feel suicidal. Maybe you really don't want to die - perhaps you just have more pain in your life than you can cope with right now.

If you are feeling suicidal, there is something you can do - TALK:

• To a family member, friend or colleague - sharing how you feel can bring huge relief.

• To a helpful advisor - by phoning in complete confidence and anonymity to a helpline such as the ones given above.

• To your doctor - he or she may be able to help themselves or sign post you to the help you need.

• To your mental health care team - if you are already seeing a psychiatrist, psychologist or community psychiatric nurse.

 "When my marriage broke down, one thing to led to another and I ended up homeless and jobless, and with debt closing in, I ended up making a serious attempt on my life. A friend found me, and I was OK. Slowly, I rebuilt my life, and while that experience and those feelings will never truly be gone, I have a good job, I've completed university degree and I have a better perspective on the things that took me to the edge. I know now where to go and what to do if things get bad. It's hard to make that step but there are people there to help"

(Shaun, Choose Life media volunteer).