Young and the Restless actor Kristoff St. John launched a campaign in honor of his son, Julian, who committed suicide earlier in December after a long battle with mental illness.

The 48-year-old announced a new collaboration with businessman Jesse Decosta and the phone app Beep to bring awareness to mental illness, which affected 42.5 million adults from 2011 to 2012, according to the latest statistics from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

"I respect and cherish all of my Facebook friends and family and need some more help to begin this emotionally charged but worthwhile process. I am asking you all for another huge favor," the actor wrote on Facebook on Monday.

St. John asked supporters to download the free iPhone and Android app (via atthebeep.com), which allows users to publicly record a short audio message. After downloading, supporters are encouraged to post a message using the hashtag "#RememberJulian." With every message recorded using the hashtag, the company will donate $1 to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The actor, who has played Neil Winters on the CBS soap opera since 1991, also shared his own Beep message featuring a short clip of Don Mclean's song "Vincent." He included the caption, "I could've told you Julian, this world was never meant for one as beautiful as you...my son #rememberjulian."

The actor's son, whom he had with ex-wife Mia St. John, suffered from mental illness for years and committed suicide on Dec. 5 at the age of 24.

"Julian suffered from schizophrenia for many years and tragically lost his life just two weeks before his 25th birthday. His legacy will live on in our hearts and for those that continue to suffer from this insidious disease," St. John said in a statement.

Tags: Kristoff St. John