Dr Alex George has admitted he didn’t know his brother Llŷr was struggling before his tragic death.
The Love Island star’s 19-year-old brother sadly took his own life in July, following a private battle with his mental health.
The frontline worker has been campaigning for better mental health provision, and was appointed as a mental health ambassador by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month.
The 30-year-old appeared on Ireland AM this morning, and explained that while nothing can bring his brother back, he was inspired to help others who are struggling.
He explained: “I’ve been campaigning for mental health at schools for a number of years and making it a priority. Sadly I lost my youngest brother in the summer, no warning.”
“We didn’t know he was struggling which I think gives a nod to the stigma around mental health and that people still don’t want to reach out for help.”
“I wake up every morning and I think of my brother and I ask myself questions. You can spend too much time with your own thoughts but now I have a real opportunity to do something positive.”
“If I can help one child, it won’t bring my brother back but it will help my family,” the reality star said.
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Urging viewers to take care of their mental health, Alex said: “As we go into the next few months, it’s important to have optimism.”
“Taking care if yourself is vital. Getting that natural light, going for a walk and speaking to family is so important. It’s easy to get yourself into a rut but ringing friends and family and having a chat about what’s going on helps me.”
“I just hope this summer we will see different times. I haven’t seen my family in a long time, it would be nice to see some normality.”
