Consultant Perinatal Psychiatrist, Dr Rebecca Moore, has kindly let me share her wise and compassionate words on suicidal thoughts following the Meghan & Harry interview that aired this week:

…

“I want to talk about suicidal thoughts because we must. Makes you uncomfortable?

Maybe.

Meghan shared she felt suicidal which takes immense courage.

Because talking of suicide is still a taboo. Not quite palatable like anxiety perhaps.

Still hidden.

Still why so many women die especially new mums.

Still a source of shame and fear and distress.

Thoughts so strong, so powerful, so seductive often, but yet at the same time so unwanted and often new. How to talk about those?

Asking about suicide does not increase the risk of suicide.

Many people have suicidal thoughts at some point in their life.

They are not weak. Not immoral. Not flawed or wrong. Suicidal thoughts are not EVER to be questioned. Just heard, given space. Given time.

These thoughts often emerge out of desperation, tiredness, sheer exhaustion, mood falling and our mind suggesting we are not worthy- hopelessness. To those feeling suicidal today I hope someone can be with you, hear you, comfort you. Hold on, cling on, know you matter even when you don’t feel you do. The Samaritans will always listen. A&E is open to you 24 hours a day. Read Matt Haig’s ‘reasons to stay alive’. Your suicidal thoughts are not you. There can be change, they can go. I have heard so many stories of suicidal thoughts and plans. Folk pushed to the limit of despair. But there can always be change.

Those thoughts can and do fade. Meghan sharing her suicidal thoughts has opened a powerful and needed discussion. She has my utmost respect and compassion for that”.