Do You Want To Do Xmas Differently This Year?

Christmas can be such a hard time for a lot of people who don’t quite fit into the “happy family” model. They may have somewhere to be on Christmas Day that causes them a lot of stress. So many people I speak to feel bound by the unspoken contract that says you must follow this long-held tradition and spend Xmas with your family. To risk doing otherwise is unheard of.

It is, I think, quite ironic and very sad that in these times of being able to be connected to the entire world through our electronic devices many of us struggle Continue reading Do You Want To Do Xmas Differently This Year?

The Aftermath of Suicide – Comedian Aisling Bea’s beautifully written but heart-breaking take on her father’s death when she was three.

This beautifully written article by Aisling Bea (30) on her father’s suicide – when she was three – was published in The Guardian (UK) at the beginning of this month. She articulates superbly how the anguish of his absence was a constant throughout her childhood and beyond. How his suicide shaped her view of herself and her place in world and how she is now starting to come to terms with it. It is heartbreaking, thought provoking and healing all at the same time.

Aisling Bea: My Father’s Death

Aisling Bea’s Twitter post linking to this story and comments from others

If after reading this article you feel you need to reach out and talk about what is going on for you please do so. There are so many fantastic people (friends, healthcare workers and organisations) around to help you get through this day, this moment, this time. Take advantage of that.

In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is on 13 11 14. or Beyond Blue  on 1300 22 4636. International suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org