Coronation Street star Oliver Devoti has shared a poignant message about mental health as he approaches the 12th anniversary of his sister's suicide.
The actor's sibling Amelia took her own life on New Year's Eve 2008 and he has opened up about the tragedy and how it affected him.
Oliver, 36, admits he spent a long time wondering if there was anything more he could have done to help his sister, who was just 26 when she died.
He said: "We knew that she was fragile but just felt helpless to do anything about it.
"You always think 'What if, what if, what if?'
"But it negatively impacts your mental health, you're not going to be able to live your life. You can’t change the past.
"I've been through that cycle and it's not helped me in any shape or form."
Oliver revealed Amelia had spent her final evening with him, his wife and their newborn baby, and took her own life when the couple went out for a walk.
He tried desperately to save Amelia but was unable to resuscitate her.
The actor is now urging anyone struggling with mental health issues not to be scared to ask for help.
He went on: "Talk about it and share it. Ask for help and don’t be too scared to.
"You can’t deal with everything yourself and Amelia's life is evidence of that.
"She didn't want to burden other people, she didn't want us to carry the weight of her neuroses, and she ultimately couldn't deal with her own.
"You need to communicate it – if no-one knows what you’re going through, no-one can help."
Oliver, who appeared as Lee in Coronation Street this year, has backed suicide-prevention charity Papyrus, which produced a short film entitled Unfinished Plans to highlight awareness of young suicide.
Papyrus chief executive Ged Flynn said: "Tragically, Ollie's own family has been bereaved by suicide and the death of his sister is a deeply personal and powerful story of loss and grief.
"By sharing his story we hope it will encourage others to talk openly and help to break down the stigma around suicide.
"At Papyrus, we believe many suicides can be prevented. If you are struggling with life, or you are worried about someone who may be having thoughts of suicide, help is available."
For confidential suicide prevention help and advice, contact the Papyrus HopelineUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
