NI suicide rates on the rise
305 people took their own lives in 2017
Suicide rates in Northern Ireland are steadily increasing according to national depression charity AWARE.
The most recent statistics show 305 people died by suicide in 2017 compared to 297 the previous year.
Michelle Bryne from the charity says it is a worrying trend right across the province:
"In 2016 297 people in Northern Ireland died by suicide.
"Unfortunately in 2017, we have seen an increase in that and the number has risen to 305.
"That's 305 families in Northern Ireland in 2017 grieving for a loved one."
According to figures from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency, it is more prevalent among young men than women here.
Michelle says it is particularly concerning that young people are the worst affected:
"Suicide is most prevalent in people aged 15-34.
"So that's a lot of young people that feel that life is not worth living and that the only option they have is to take their own life.
"The...statistics show that in 2016, 221 males took their own lives compared to 76 females.
"Quite often we see this macho view where young men don't feel that they're able to express their emotions and express their feelings."
The charity offers help and support for those affected by suicide, depression and mental health issues.
Downtown Cool FM heard one of the hardest aspects for relatives is the unanswered questions victims leave behind:
"Suicide has a massive impact on families," said Michelle.
She added: "When one person takes their life they leave behind people that are grieving, people that are asking questions and wondering why.
"We often do get people coming to our support groups trying to get their head around depression, trying to understand why did depression make my son, daughter, husband, wife, feel like there was no other option?"
To mark national suicide prevention day many charities and support services here are trying to increase awareness of the signs and symptoms of depression.
Michelle told us what to look out for in loved ones:
"You would notice in someone would be maybe they're withdrawn from activities that they would've usually enjoyed, tiredness, lack of energy, changes in eating habits and general withdrawal symptoms from socialising with friends and family."
You can find more help and support from AWARE here.
If you or someone you know is in distress or despair call the free-phone 24/7 crisis telephone and counselling service Lifeline on 0808 808 8000.