“I got involved with the Green Ribbon Campaign three years ago after sharing my story about my battle with mental illness and an attempt to take my own life in 1999. I am now one of 60 ambassadors across the country trying to end the stigma around mental illness.

Two young men I knew a few years ago took their own lives. I couldn’t believe it and decided to share my story, despite being a very private person (life’s not so private anymore!). My thinking was that if it helped to save just one life, it would be worth it.

Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. It’s like throwing a stone into the water – the ripples keep going. It affects so many people. No matter your road, someone has always travelled it before you. There is always someone willing to help if you ask.

I was 19 when I felt my life was over, and I can empathise with people who feel that way for whatever reason. A lot of problems can be fixed, though, if they are shared.

I regret what I did that day, and I am sorry to all the people my actions affected. If I could change it, I would, and I am very grateful to the people who found me and saved my life.

The Green Ribbon Campaign was created to raise awareness and end the stigma around mental health difficulties. Mental illness can strike anyone at any time; it knows no boundaries. If you can get kids when they are young and teach them not to be afraid to speak up and share what is in their head, it will help them greatly and will go a long way towards ending the stigma. As Bill Clinton said, mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of but stigma and bias shame us all”.