FOR many people, telling those close to them that they are experiencing thoughts of suicide can be incredibly difficult.

A part of World Suicide Prevention Awareness Day 2018, The Echo spoke with parents of people who took their lives about how to spot indications their child could be at risk, and how they can be helped through these dark times.

Denise Nicol, of Beverley Rise, Billericay’s 16-year-old daughter Harriet sadly died just two weeks after she was diagnosed with depression.

Denise, an art teacher at Mayflower High School in Stock Road found her daughter unresponsive at their home.

She was rushed to hospital for treatment, however, she was later sadly pronounced dead.

She had previously called for earlier interventions and quicker care when teenagers and young people show signs of depression.

Denise said: “Harriet was sensitive and would take things to heart, no matter how many positive and good things she was told about herself she would always remember the negative nasty comments.

“There was not one sign but several.

“My advice is to talk to youngsters make them understand that it is okay to not be okay, understand that they will have bad days and bad experiences, but they will get through as they need to appreciate the good days.

“No pressure on them. Allow them space. Monitor social media but in a subtle way.

“If you are worried get help as soon as possible, the earlier you can get help the better as they can learn coping strategies.”

Papyrus, the charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide labelled a number of tell-tale signs that loved ones should look out for someone is at risk.

The potential signs included: withdrawing socially, acting impulsively or self-harming and neglect.

The charity added there are a few verbal cues that also could be said by people at risk, such as saying 'everyone will be better off without me', 'all of my problems will end soon' or 'I just can’t take it anymore'.

Another mother who hopes to raise more awareness of suicide prevention following her child’s death is Karen Pullen, from Basildon.

Her son, Craig Tyler, 22, took his own life inside Northlands Park in Pitsea on Sunday April 8.

Karen has since set up a trust in memory of Craig, a father of two to bid for a new mental health crisis facility in Basildon town centre.

She said: “Our mission is to have an open reach centre for anyone to access when they need to. We want everybody of any age to have key information for their wellbeing.

“We want to be that friendly face that will sit and chat no matter how significant the problem is.

“People die from suicide just like any other disease or illness. Just like cancer it's a silent killer that creeps up on you, but with the research and medical breakthroughs, cancer if treated quickly can be cured.

“I believe with drug and lifestyle tests, awareness and education, ill mental health can be cured too so it doesn't develop into the terminal condition of suicide.”

Debbie Hobart, 55, of Littlethorpe, Vange agreed with Denise that early intervention is key to suicide prevention.

Her son Richard, 27, took his life in December 2016 when he was struck by a train at Pitsea Train Station.

She said: “I think there are a lot of questions that health professionals can ask people at risk so they can get a scale of whether they are at risk.

“I do not think that was done with Richard.

“Because mental health problems cannot be seen, people will not always be aware of what somebody is going through.

“If you have a broken leg or another injury, people can act on it, but suicide risk is an invisible disease.

“When people want to take their lives, they also do not know the consequences it can have on their family either. They only think they need to end it because they feel they are not loved.”

To support The Craig Tyler Trust and help Karen create the new Basildon facility to help people at risk of suicide, search The Craig Tyler Trust on JustGiving.

(Link - www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/tctt?utm_term=6aKe5RMke)