"Choose a hug, choose a smile..."
With almost 100,000 views in less than 24 hours, Keith Kelly has seen his Facebook video on a topic close to his heart explode all over the internet.
Keith is a volunteer for Suicide or Survive, an Irish charity focusing on breaking the stigma of mental health, and Keith himself has struggled with mental health over the years.
Upon the release of T2 Trainspotting, Keith came upon the idea to emulate Renton's famous "Choose Life" monologue, but rejigging it to be a fantastic mantra for anyone suffering with mental health issues.
"I've been blown away by the response" explains Keith. "I just did it as a way of trying to reach and help people and now I'm getting thank you messages from all the over the world. It just goes to show you the power of sharing and the appetite that is out there right now for some positivity." says Keith.
"I've struggled a lot over the years for different reasons and I've seen a lot of suffering, including too many suicides in my community. I'm a huge fan of Trainspotting and with the new film coming out I saw an opportunity to do something creative to help spread a positive message. The original Trainspotting 'choose life' message was a powerful one so I suppose it's a play on that. I'm a massive sports fan and a music fan and I really want to reach young lads, and lads that are struggling. The importance of talking openly can't be underestimated. For me this has opened up a whole new world for me, including new friends and community through my volunteering with the Suicide or Survive charity. I'd just love to see everyone being themselves, not necessarily following the norms, living the lives they want to live and being comfortable with themselves."
If you need help or support please talk to a friend, family member, GP or therapist or call Samaritans free phone number 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 116 123
