“We have to work harder to change the culture”. Lady Gaga responds to the news, calling for people to speak up and seek help if suffering

Genest, who holds two Guinness World Records for his tattoos, came to public attention in 2011 after starring in Lady Gaga’s Born This Way video. Since then, Genest has appeared in high-end fashion shows in Paris and Berlin.

It was announced this week that Genest had died, aged 32. According to reports, police are classifying his death as suicide.

Friend Lady Gaga responded to the news on Twitter, calling for anyone who is suffering to reach out. She wrote: “Reach out if you’re in pain, and if you know someone who is, reach out to them too.

“We have to work harder to change the culture, bring mental health to the forefront and erase the stigma that we can’t talk about it. If you are suffering, call a friend or family today. We must save each other.”

The stigma around mental health – for everyone – needs to be tackled. Talking and reaching out for help needs to be normalised. Slowly, things are starting to change. The conversation is happening and hopefully less lives will be lost, and more of us will be supported.

If you need help, please speak up. It’s not easy, but you are so strong. Support is available. If you know someone who is suffering, reach out to them. Let them know you care, and you are there to help them - whatever they need.

If you need immediate help, know that there are plenty of organisations available to support and help you. It may feel like you have no other option, but you do. You can call the Samaritans for free on 116 123 and talk to someone right now (they are available 24/7). The service is anonymous, the person on the phone won’t judge you, they are there to listen.

You can also email them at jo@samaritans.org.

For mental health information, and to find a counsellor or therapist near you, visit Counselling Directory.