This week I sit down with Noeleen Eustace, who shares the devastating story of losing her son Kelvin to suicide.

Noeleen speaks about Kelvin’s struggles with both addiction and his mental health, and the years she spent desperately trying to get him the help he needed. She talks about the complexities of dual diagnosis and what it is like as a mother to keep fighting for your child when it feels like there is nowhere left to turn.

She speaks with incredible honesty about losing Kelvin, the earth-shattering grief that has followed, and how you continue living when a part of you feels as though it died with your child.

A raw and deeply emotional conversation about a mother’s love, the fight to get help, addiction, mental health and the unimaginable reality of losing a child to suicide.

SUPPORT & SIGNPOSTING

This episode discusses addiction, mental health difficulties and suicide. Please listen with care.

Samaritans — Call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pieta — Support for suicidal thoughts, self-harm and suicide bereavement: 1800 247 247, or text HELP to 51444.

HUGG — Support for anyone bereaved by suicide, including peer-support groups: HUGG.ie.

HSE Drugs & Alcohol Helpline — Free and confidential support for anyone concerned about their own or somebody else’s drug or alcohol use: 1800 459 459.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 or attend your nearest Emergency Department.