Christmas help plea over suicide

Scotland's suicide rate is the highest in the UK

Mental health professionals have urged people who are feeling suicidal over the festive period to ask for help.

Supporters of the national suicide prevention plan, Choose Life, have said a variety of helplines and local services are available.

Scotland's suicide rate is the highest in the UK and it is the leading cause of death in those under 35.

An average of two people die by suicide in Scotland every day. Choose Life aims to reduce suicides by 20% by 2013.

Inverclyde Council is one of several local authorities in Scotland which has a dedicated Choose Life co-ordinator.

Brian Young said one of his main roles was to encourage people to speak about their feelings.

He said: "In 2007, 14 people in Inverclyde lost their lives to suicide. Although fewer than in the previous year, each life lost to suicide is a tragedy.

"There is a myth that talking about suicide makes the problem worse but this couldn't be further from the truth.

"I encourage anyone who is feeling suicidal to talk to someone they trust or phone a helpline - or if you are worried that someone you know is feeling suicidal, don't be afraid to ask them - it could help to save their life.

"Most people who attempt suicide do not want to die. They want to end the pain they are suffering."