SUICIDE is a tragedy which can and must be prevented.

That was the view of ChildLine expert Dr Tanya Byron, backing the charity's 20th anniversary campaign.

She revealed that last year 2,737 children and young people spoke to ChildLine about feeling suicidal.

Dr Byron claimed when children and young people have thoughts of suicide, they rarely come out of the blue.

"Often children will talk about multiple problems - which can include physical or sexual abuse, neglect and low self-esteem - which have led them to this absolute crisis point.

"It's vital that young people know they don't have to suffer in silence. I would urge children and young people who are feeling suicidal - or who have any other problems - to call ChildLine free at any time on 0800 1111.

"Every single case of a young person who takes their own life is a tragedy. It is vital that any young person in distress can easily access the support that they need to prevent them from reaching this utter crisis point.

"I would urge any children and young people who have suicidal thoughts or feelings, and feel they have no-one to talk to, to call ChildLine free at any time.

"You can also access help and advice on the ChildLine website by logging on to www.childline.org.uk"

* Talk to someone you trust, and tell them how you are feeling. This can be difficult, but feeling alone is also very difficult. Talk to a friend, family member, teacher, doctor etc.

* If you are feeling upset all the time this can make you feel worse. Try and find things that make you feel good about yourself - talking to friends, listening to music, hobbies or exercise.

* If you find yourself starting to think about the bad things in your life all the time, tell yourself about the good things and the things that make you happy. This might be imagining being on a sunny beach, eating your favourite meal, spending time with loved ones.

* Don't be afraid to seek professional help from a counsellor or doctor. They are there to help you and there are some very good `talking treatments' that work very well.

* Try to avoid alcohol and drugs. Although it seems using them makes you feel better to begin with, they are known to make depressed people feel even worse in the long run.

* Even wanting a reason to live, even though you might not be able to find one, is enough for to start winning the battle.

* Don't expect to feel OK overnight. Just knowing that life is slowly starting to get better means that there is light at the end of the tunnel.