Children as young as 10 have contacted a crisis helpline in Northern Ireland, it has been revealed.
Contact, a counselling charity set up here in 1977, said its helpline Lifeline had taken calls from young children, as well as a 97-year-old in need.
Charity representative Fiona Molloy also revealed a spike in calls at the beginning of the year, during a live webchat with News Letter readers on Thursday.
On the day a Historical Abuse Enquiry was launched in Northern Ireland, Fiona also said abuse is one of the biggest three reasons people get in touch with the charity for advice.
The other top reasons are suicide and self-harm risks, and family or relationship breakdowns.
Earlier this year a parliamentary debate on suicide called for a more innovative approach to be taken to tackle the issue - which is more common in Northern Ireland than any other region of the UK and many other countries throughout Europe.
Fiona said Contact and lifeline are currently working with partners in America to look at new approaches.
In response to a question about support systems in schools Fiona called for even very young children to be made aware of mental health issues.
“There is quite a comprehensive counselling support service in secondary schools across Northern Ireland,” she said. “Messages about looking after your mental health need to be endorsed with the younger children so that by the time they reach secondary school they will feel comfortable about seeking help if necessary.”
To read the webchat in full click here.