If you need help, call CHILDLINE on 0800 1111 at any time day or night.   Alternatively, contact THE SAMARITANS on 08457 90 90 90 at any time day or night.   If you think you might be suffering from a mental health problem, or if you just want to learn more about mental health, please visit this website: Young Minds. The following websites also contain a wealth of information: Saneline  Rethink      Did you know? One in four people suffer from some kind of mental illness. 20 percent of all deaths by young people are by suicide. Suicide is the most common form of death in men aged under 35. In this country alone, there are estimated to be 24,000 cases of attempted suicide by adolescents each year, which is one attempt every 20 minutes.   Breaking the silence Mental illness, whether it is mild depression or severe schizophrenia, is a biologically-based brain disorder which cannot be overcome through will-power and is not related to a person's character or intelligence. Mental illness is an illness, and like most illnesses it can be treated and cured. But you have to speak out. This is the only way to get help. If you think you might be suffering from a mental health problem, or if you are being bullied, abused or if you feel very unhappy, you need to speak to an adult. You could speak to a parent, a guardian, a foster parent, a teacher, a friend’s parent, a doctor, a school nurse, or any adult you trust. Millions of people in the UK and all over the world suffer from a mental illness. You are not alone.   Go to My Favourite Books to see a list of novels, memoirs and films about mental illness which inspired me to write my books and got me through the hard times.