A mum who's experienced unimaginable loss has encouraged anyone suffering to open up, as "we should all be there for each other".
Sabrina Dunbavin has had post-traumatic stress disorder for most of her adult life after her partner was murdered when she lived in Belfast. Sabrina has also experienced devastating family loss as her brother, sister and cousin all took their own lives.
But Sabrina has encouraged people to not suffer in silence and to know they are not alone. The 43-year-old, now living in Crosby, hopes speaking about her experiences in public will encourage others to do the same.
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Sabrina said her own mental health has suffered due to the personal losses she's experienced and she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She said the losses made her "angry" and it was only the love of her family that kept her going.
She previously told the ECHO : "You do think that nothing else really matters and you want to care but can't. It's horrific - even after all these years I still feel lonely in my own grief. I sometimes wonder if other people know how hard it is and how low I can go - but then I come back and think about my children who I love dearly. I do everything for them.
"Grief is traumatising and it's sometimes difficult to see the end but you've just got to accept it and carry on pushing through."
Sabrina said even now time has passed and she has the support of her family she still feels "lonely in her own grief". But she added: "It's good to reach out to people and let them know they're not alone and there are others also living with grief."
Three years ago Sabrina started doing fundraisers to raise money for Mind - a charity who support those suffering with their mental health. The mum recently climbed Snowden along with thirty other people on Saturday, July 9 - all of whom have suffered emptiness and loneliness because of their grief. She said people climbed for a number of different charities including Noah Foundation and the West-Wellbeing Centre.
Sabrina told the ECHO it was "a lovely day with so many stories told". She added: "We laughed and we cried but I think we raised awareness to encourage people to reach out and know they're not alone.
"I was quite selfish in my own grief when I was younger but now the years have moved on I've realised there's so much more heartache all around. We all grieve in different ways but we should all be there for each other.
"It could be a letter, a phone call, a text, an invitation for a cup of tea. It's just letting people know you're there to help if they need it. If I can talk to that person and help them stop feeling alone it can only be a positive thing."
She said the trip almost had to be cancelled after the minibus company due to ferry them to Snowden turned down their booking the night before. She said a number of employees at Olsen House School, where she also works, came to the rescue by agreeing to ferry the walkers to Snowden in their cars.
Sabrina said the highlight of the trip was her 64-year-old mum climbing to the top of the mountain. She said: "She really challenged herself and cried her eyes out when she got to the top. I told her you've shown you had the strength to conquer your own heartache before.
"We left rocks at the top of the mountain for all our loved ones. We shared stories together and it made my day to see people opening up and sharing their stories. You can never change the way someone is feeling but you can relate to them and understand - you should never suffer alone."
You can donate to Sabrina's fundraiser here
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: support@ypas.org.uk
- Paul's Place - providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: paulsplace@beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk
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The Martin Gallier Project - offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: triage@gallierhouse.co.uk
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James' Place - supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit https://www.jamesplace.org.uk/
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