“Talk about it, keep talking, and don’t make a permanent decision for a temporary feeling.”

That is the key advice from a Watford woman who survived a suicide attempt, as she opened up on her struggles to help people for Mental Health Awareness Month.

Sophie Sturman, 28, said she first suffered with her mental health when she was 13, but after looking for help in the wrong places, she eventually tried to take her life last year.

Watford Observer: Sophie Sturman, 28, wants to raise awareness of what she went through for Mental Health Awareness Month.Sophie Sturman, 28, wants to raise awareness of what she went through for Mental Health Awareness Month. (Image: Sophie Sturman)

“I was so lost and stuck and not knowing where to turn, as I had been let down so many times in the past,” she told the Watford Observer. “I then made the wrong choice because I was feeling so low.”

It left her with life-changing injuries and she still needs crutches and a zimmer frame. But a year on, Sophie has managed to turn things around and is keen to raise awareness of what happened while highlighting help available.

A big factor in her recovery was support from family, friends, her private therapist, and local mental health teams. St Mary’s Hospital, where she was taken, also helped along with the police.

She said: “I just knew I couldn’t go on the way I was feeling, and it was about making your voice heard, telling them how you’re feeling over and over again until they listen to you.

“I look at life a lot differently, and I would hate for anyone ever to be in a situation like I was.”

Watford Observer: Sophie has encouraged anyone suffering with mental health problems to make sure they talk about them.Sophie has encouraged anyone suffering with mental health problems to make sure they talk about them. (Image: Sophie Sturman)

Suicide is the biggest killer of young adults, according to government figures, with 115 people of all ages taking their lives in the UK each week.

Sophie pointed to lots of help available for those suffering with their mental health, including the charity Mind and a ‘Shout Textline’ for Young Minds, which she found useful. Talking to a GP, or calling Hertfordshire’s Single Point of Access (SPA) 24/7 Mental Health Helpline, were other recommendations.

“My key message to anyone feeling suicidal is please, please talk about it and keep talking about it,” she said. “Don’t make a permanent decision for a temporary feeling or thought. I promise you now if you told me 10 years ago that I would be where I am now in recovery I would have laughed at you. Anything is possible, there is help and support out there.”

Anyone feeling distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org