Health Minister Robin Swann has said preventing suicide is a main priority for him and his department.
Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody is one of many celebrities from sport, music and entertainment to have signed a letter appealing for Stormont to declare a public health emergency.
Gary has previously spoken out about suffering from depression and how help was vital to him. Boxer Carl Frampton and AP McCoy have also added their names to the letter. Northern Ireland currently has the highest suicide rate in the UK and Ireland, with 307 people losing their lives in the year 2017/18.
The letter also calls for the funding for counselling to be increased, and for the introduction of targets to ensure patients will not have to wait more than 28 days for a counsellor appointment.
Actors Dan Gordon, Brian McFadden and John Connors have also signed their names alongside Damien Dempsey.
Suicide prevention begins with recognising warning signs that someone may be considering taking their own life. The signs include:
- talking about death or suicide
- pre-occupation with death
- depression
- hopelessness
- alcohol and drug misuse
- low self-esteem
- bereavement
- relationship break-up
- changes in behaviour
- previous history of suicide attempts
- self-loathing or self-hatred
- getting affairs in order
- social isolation
- self-destructive behaviour
- sudden sense of calm or appearing very upbeat following depression.
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