SIX months ago, Jen Jones was on the verge of taking her own life.
One Saturday night in June last year, the 43-year-old was sat on the disused railway bridge in Latchford contemplating suicide.
It was the culmination of months of turmoil for the mum-of-three - who had gone through her mum dying, being made homeless, the breakdown of her relationship and being hit by a car.
Jen, from Longford, said: “My mental health problems have been ongoing for years, and I was suffering really badly at the time.
“At that time, I had a number of issues.
“For a number of months, there was one thing after another and I just broke.
“I had a breakdown in my relationship and left the home I was in as a result, so I was homeless.
“At the same time, my mother was dying.
“Then on the day she that died, I was run over in Latchford.
“When I was up on that bridge, I was at breaking point - I just couldn’t cope anymore.”
READ > Two men threaten staff during robbery at Greggs in Orford
Thankfully, Jen was helped down from the Knutsford Road bridge by firefighters and life has since improved for her.
Having been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder, depression and a personality disorder, she now has the support that she needs in place.
Her problems were also worsened by alcohol, with Jen now enjoying sobriety.
And she is encouraging others to seek help if they are suffering from their own mental health problems.
READ > Police hunt attacker after man's teeth knocked out
She added: “Mental health is a big issue at the moment, and I want to get my story out there to help other people.
“Thankfully, I’m doing better now.
“I’ve been diagnosed, and I have my support network in place - I’ve got my own home, I’ve got stability and support from the likes of Pathways.
“I have everything in place now, which I’ve never had before in my entire life.
“People should feel able to ask for help, because I don’t want this to happen to other people.
“Something needs to be done, but all people need is help.”
If you have been affected by the issues raised this article, call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel