04/09/2026
September is National Su***de Prevention Month.
My Dad.
My Dad was a clever, well-liked man with a successful career as a consultant engineer. He was also a sensitive person who lived with depression.
In 1984, he was diagnosed with skin cancer. It wasn't terminal, but alongside financial worries and loneliness, his mental health began to spiral. To everyone around him, he appeared to be coping and continued with life as normal.
Only once did he admit that he was struggling. I was just 18 at the time and had no idea how to help. A week later, he took his own life.
Today, we're encouraged to talk about our mental health, and thankfully much of the stigma has been reduced. But there are still people who find it impossible to open up or ask for help.
Looking back on my Dad's final months, I can see that he wasn't fine. He had withdrawn. Even though he continued to engage with people, he wasn't truly seen or heard.
Sometimes it's up to us to look a little deeper, to really listen to the people we care about, and to notice when something doesn't seem quite right.
Check in on your loved ones. Reach out. Make time for a conversation. Let them know they are loved, valued and that they matter.
You never know how much that simple act of kindness could mean to someone.
💛 If you're struggling, please know that support is available and you don't have to face it alone.
At Freedom it's not just about fitness, it's about community, support and caring.
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