(image: Pan MacMillan)

Trigger warning: discussion of suicidal thoughts.

This World Suicide Prevention Day , I share an extract from my story in The Book Of Hope: 101 Voices in Overcoming Adversity by my friends Jonny Benjamin MBE and Britt Pfluger. You can see the full video of me reading from the book on my social media channels.

Living with bipolar 1 from the age of 16 meant living with deep depressions, of which suicidal thoughts were a part. Being able to safely share these with family and psychiatrists in the past saved my life and helped me hold on in the dark moments of bipolar episodes. I am not alone in feeling this way- millions are struggling now, today. Medication, therapy and support keep me well.

So today I read from my essay in this very special book to tell you- ‘You will feel the sun and smell the rain again, even after suicidal depressions when you lay in bed wanting to disappear. ‘

Please reach for help when you start getting these thoughts and hold on- a better day is coming. Helpline numbers including Samaritans at 116 123 are available if you need to talk and feel in crisis.

I also know the devastation of losing a loved one to suicide and conversely, to help people through these thoughts. Their stories are not my own so I am not sharing them today but I hope that today and every day we focus on suicide prevention and support for all who are struggling.

Love,

Eleanor x