Phillip Schofield says talking "saved him" after coming out as gay.
The 58-year-old TV star has opened up about his personal struggle in a poignant post online as he backed a fundraising campaign by a mother who lost her son to suicide.
This Morning host Phil, 58, shared the tragic story of Morgan Watson, who took his own life on May 17.
He backed the fundraising efforts of grieving mum Alison who is trying to raise money for mental health charity Guernsey Mind by tweeting the family's JustGiving page.
Alison wrote: "We are heartbroken at his loss and have started this fundraising page in the small hope that we can prevent others suffering as we are losing someone they love as we love Morgan so much.
"Our hearts are breaking. Talking to whoever is so important for everyone, especially young men."
The message hit home for the star, who explained his decision to to talk about his issues earlier this year stopped his suffering.
"Another heartbreaking story," he wrote on twitter. "There is strength in talking.
"Please don’t try to fight your head on your own. Talking saved me #bekind #talk".
The 57-year-old This Morning host opened up about his sexuality in the lengthy statement, which was shared on his Instagram page earlier this year.
He went on to give an emotional interview on This Morning with the support of his co-star Holly Willoughby.
Phil admitted his secret caused him severe psychological problems - and he undertook professional counselling to help deal with the torment.
He also thanked his wife wife Stephanie Lowe and their daughters Molly and Ruby for helping him through.
"You never know what's going on in someone's seemingly perfect life, what issues they are struggling with, or the state of their wellbeing - and so you won't know what has been consuming me for the last few years," he wrote.
"With the strength and support of my wife and my daughters, I have been coming to terms with the fact that I am gay."
He went on: "This is something that has caused many heart-breaking conversations at home.
"I have been married to Steph for nearly 27 years, and we have two beautiful grown-up daughters, Molly and Ruby.
"My family have held me so close: they have tried to cheer me up, to smother me with kindness and love, despite their own confusions.
"Yet still I can't sleep and there have been some very dark moments. My inner conflict contrasts with an outside world that has changed so very much for the better.
"Today, quite rightly, being gay is a reason to celebrate and be proud.
"Yes, I am feeling pain and confusion, but that comes only from the hurt that I am causing to my family."
* Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org
