Dundee residents are being urged to support their friends and relatives this week as part of of National Suicide Prevention Week.
National Suicide Prevention Week aims to raise awareness of suicide and to encourage people to talk about mental health and wellbeing openly.
Kevin Cordell, convener of Dundee City council’s community safety and public protection committee, said: “When someone close to us isn’t themselves we usually notice.
“But if those behaviour changes start to worry you the most important aspect is to ask them about it.
“Talking openly about their feelings can help a person get some perspective on what is troubling them and you don’t need to have a solution. Just being there for them and listening, without judgement, shows that you care.
“Ask if they are thinking about suicide. It won’t put the thought into their head if it wasn’t there already, but it can be a huge relief for them to be able to open up completely and recognise they need help and support.”
As part of Suicide Prevention Week NHS Health Scotland and NHS Education Scotland have produced an animated video which helps people understand the signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, and how and when to provide immediate help and support.
