Lynn Douglas said she will never forget the agonising moment she opened her front door to a police officer who came with the news her daughter had died.

Ruth had committed suicide after a long battle with a number of mental health issues.

"I was in shock when I was first told," said Lynn. "I had an awful lot to do, I had to tell her younger brother and get things organised for the funeral. It was all very surreal.

“Over the years I have learnt to build a life around my pain and have two amazing grandchildren and hobbies I enjoy.”

The 59-year-old, from Downend, said before Ruth had moved to university she had no idea her daughter suffered from any mental health issues.

But within Ruth's first term, Lynn received a call to say she had been admitted to hospital because she was suicidal.

During the following year, the bright student who was reading medicine, was readmitted to hospital. She would spend the next two Christmases in hospital before taking her own life, aged just 22.

For around 12 months before Ruth's death, she refused to see her family or friends.

Lynn with Ruth as a baby

"It was terrifying," said Lynn. "I knew she was acutely ill but she wasn't seeing anyone apart from people she very recently met."

“Ruth was a complex character, a very bright child and a high achiever from a young age. Sadly she was bullied at school and had a complex mix of physical and mental health problems.

"Our beautiful, compassionate and delightful daughter was hospitalised in May 2003. We now know her mental health problems had started in her early teens.

“Her final diagnosis was Borderline Personality disorder. She attempted to take her own life multiple times, was sectioned repeatedly and was in and out of hospital.”

Lynn discovered after Ruth's death that she was assaulted by a boy in her young teens. She believes if she had received support for this traumatising experience and for being bullied Ruth might have been saved.

"Ruth had a lot of help after she first started presenting," said Lynn. "But by then her personality was very fragile. She had stuffed things away. I know even some of her closest friends had no idea any of this went on. "

Lynn is supporting Mind’s Christmas and New Year campaign to end suicide.

She said: "I used Mind’s website a lot when I was struggling to understand Ruth’s diagnosis and why she was being sectioned. I found the information really useful and it helped me to address the questions I had around Ruth’s condition.

She advises other parents: “Early intervention is key and young people should be able to access help as soon as they start developing a mental health problem. I also want to see young peoples’ mental health higher up on the Government’s agenda.”

Someone in England and Wales takes their own life every two hours. The statistics are appalling, today, two thirds of people with mental health problems get no support whatsoever.

The Samaritans

Most people who are thinking of taking their own life have shown warning signs beforehand. These can include becoming depressed, showing sudden changes in behaviour, talking about wanting to die and feelings of hopelessness.


Stephen Buckley, Head of Information at Mind, said: “Suicides are not inevitable, they can be prevented if the right support is in place. It is positive that as awareness of mental health increases, more and more people are coming forward and seeking help but it is also vital that the services are available when they need them.

“If you’re feeling suicidal, and you don't feel that you can keep yourself safe right now, seek immediate help. Go to any hospital A&E department, or call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you can’t get there yourself. Keep yourself safe by removing any means of killing yourself while you learn how to cope with suicidal feelings.”

You can help to stop someone reaching breaking point - a donation of £3 could put Mind’s Find the Words guidebook into local GP surgeries, helping people to make the crucial first step of asking their doctor for support.

£8 could answer a call to Mind’s Infoline, providing someone, like Ruth, with vital support and information about help in their area.

To find out more and to donate click here .