THE apparent suicide of Wales football manager Gary Speed stunned those around him, who saw no signs of anxiety or depression.

Yet he was in the demographic group with the highest suicide rate – men aged 35-49.

According to the Samaritans, three out of four people who kill themselves in the UK are men – and it is not unusual for friends and family to have no idea of the tragedy that is about to happen.

Joe Ferns, the charity’s director of research, development and operations, said: “Warning signs are so varied. Individuals can become very adept as completely masking their problems, so it can take families and friends a very long time to come to terms with the fact that this person had a secret struggle inside of them.

“Our research shows that many of the people who commit suicide each year keep their troubles secret because mental illness is still not as acceptable as physical illness. People fear the reaction of family, friends and colleagues.”

The charity says to look out for the following if you are worried about someone’s state of mind:

Being irritable/nervous.

A change in routine, such as sleeping or eating less.

Drinking, smoking or using drugs more than usual.

Being untypically clumsy or accident-prone.

Becoming withdrawn, losing touch with friends and family.

Losing interest in appearance, such as dressing badly, not washing regularly or no longer wearing make-up.

Saying things such as: “You wouldn’t believe what I’ve been through” or “It’s like the whole world is against me”, which may be said in the hope that you will ask what the person means so he or she can talk about it.

Putting themselves down in a serious or jokey way, for example “No-one loves me” or “I’m a waste of space”.

Anyone having suicidal thoughts should see a GP as a matter of urgency or call Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (samaritans.org.uk).