10/09/2026
It wasn’t that long ago that I had a su***de note in my handbag.
Looking at my life from the outside, you might never have known. I was a mum with a loving family, still getting up and carrying on with everyday life. Inside, I was struggling more than anyone could see.
With World Su***de Prevention Day on 10th September, I wanted to share this as a reminder that suicidal thoughts don’t always look how we expect them to.
Sometimes there are changes. Someone may become quieter, withdraw, cancel plans, struggle to sleep or seem overwhelmed. Sometimes there are no obvious signs at all.
My own experience taught me how important it is to notice, to check in and to give someone the space to tell you how they really are.
We don’t need to have the answers. Sometimes simply asking, listening and not judging can mean more than we realise.
If you are struggling, Samaritans are available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.
***dePreventionDay ***dePrevention