claire’s story

What I’ve always found hardest is reaching out when those thoughts start taking over - when the world begins to darken around me. I convince myself I’m okay. I tell myself others have it worse, that I’m wasting everyone’s time if I ask for help. So I struggle alone. And I keep struggling alone, until I reach the point where I simply can’t bear it anymore.

Last year, the thoughts grew too loud to ignore. I didn’t reach out. The thoughts turned into a plan, and that plan nearly became reality.

I was going to jump.

I felt like no one cared. I felt utterly alone, terrified, and exhausted by life. I convinced myself my daughter didn’t need me, that my friends would be fine without me, that my family wouldn’t even notice I was gone.

But I was wrong.

That day, the chaplains found me.

They stopped me - gently, without judgment, without pressure. They offered time, kindness, and a place to breathe. Slowly, they helped me see that I wasn’t invisible, that people did care, and that my pain didn’t have to become a sadness my daughter would carry through her life.

It took time - and they gave me that, patiently and unconditionally.

Talking to them gave me the space and courage to get the help I needed. Being stopped that day saved me. It meant my little girl still had her mum there to cuddle her in the morning. It meant she wasn’t left wondering forever why I had left her.

There are still bad days. I’m still on my journey, and there are hurdles ahead. But I’m here. I’m fighting. And I’m glad I had the chance to thank the team in person.

If you’re someone who thinks no one cares, who feels alone and unseen - please know this: the chaplains care. They are there because they want to be. They want to listen.

They want you to stay.