Linda shares how she first experienced suicidal thoughts, comparing it to a “swarm of locusts”. She felt unable to talk about her thoughts, that lasted months, and this led to shutting herself off.
Read more from Mind about understanding what’s happening to you.
If you don’t know what’s happening and you want to speak to someone you can phone 111 and choose the mental health option.
Linda describes how her thoughts were worse than than a physical pain, that her thoughts spiralled like a ‘merry-go-round’ and that she believed that everything she was thinking was true.
Read more from Mind about understanding what’s happening to you.
If you don’t know what’s happening and you want to speak to someone you can phone 111 and choose the mental health option.
Linda talks about how distorted her thinking had become. She had started blaming herself for colleagues going off work sick. She stopped eating and socialising and became isolated.
If you feel alone and need someone to listen, speak to Breathing Space.
SAMH has advice for both employers and workers
Linda talks about being unable to sleep because of the thoughts racing in her mind. She felt overwhelmed by the relentless thoughts she was experiencing.
Mind has information on what you can do to help yourself cope.
You can phone 111 and choose the mental health option 24 hours a day.
Linda talks about her recovery and where she finds strength and motivation. She has found tools she can rely on to help her cope.
Recovery is possible for everybody but it takes time. The Mental Health Foundation has more information on recovery.
Linda says that whatever you may be thinking, every problem can be fixed with help and support. You are not a burden.
Reaching out for help is the first step to finding other ways and solutions.
Watch Steph explain how important it is to find the right person to talk to.
Linda says speaking about suicide is difficult but if you find the right person it’s easier to have that conversation.
If you need someone to listen you can contact Breathing Space
Linda explains how she has learned that distressing thoughts are more common than people think. No matter how bad your thoughts are, others will have experienced the same thing.
Breathing Space is a confidential listening service where you won’t be judged.
An important part of recovery is doing what feels right for you and not worrying about what others might say or think.
The Mental Health Foundation has more information on recovery
Linda acknowledges how hard it can be to try new things but she says people should try new experiences and meet new people.
She explains how trying new things was an important part of her recovery process.
ALISS can help you connect with groups in your local community.
Linda explains how helpful she has found it to set a routine and find her purpose. By sharing her own story she feels she can help others in a similar situation. This is what’s important for her.