Widow urges those grieving at Christmas to talk

Sammiie Winter says she would encourage others to "grieve in a way that suits them"

A widow bereaved by her husband's suicide is encouraging others to prioritise their mental health during what can be one of the "loneliest times of year".

Sammiie Winter, from Stogursey in Somerset, was just shy of her ninth anniversary with her husband Shaun when he passed away in March 2019.

The mum-of-three had to explain to her young children that "daddy was never coming home", and faced a harsh new reality with one less seat around the table.

"For me, Christmas is about celebrating family, but we were so painfully aware that someone was missing," she said.

The couple had three young children under six at the time of Shaun's death

According to Ms Winter, Christmas had long been a "strained time" in their household.

"Even before Shaun died he had really struggled with his mental health, and I think the winter months made it worse," she said.

"When he died, that first Christmas without a loved one was really challenging.

"People want you to carry on and do normal things, but sometimes it's just not a festive time of year."

Ms Winter says anniversaries and certain times of year are especially "triggering"

Ms Winter began using the Mind helpline to talk through her feelings, and it soon became a vital outlet for her grief.

"It was a place for me to talk to someone who knew nothing of my circumstances," she said.

"I could be brutally honest about how I was feeling without worrying about upsetting a family member.

"Family and friends always try and fix problems, but this wasn't something that could be fixed."

A year later she began volunteering with her the Somerset branch of the charity, to help others who had been bereaved by suicide.

'Seek help'

Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, said: "We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for many different reasons.

"It can shine a light on the problems we're facing and the people who aren't there - who should be.

"Some might also be finding it difficult to care for their well-being, navigating difficult relationships, or feeling isolated and without anyone to confide in.

"It's important that they know if they are feeling this way, they're not alone. We're here for everyone.

"Help us spark vital conversations and give someone the strength to seek help while there's still time."

If you are affected by any of these issues please contact Mind on their free helpline 0300 102 1234, or visit their website.