I’m heartbroken after my oldest friend decided to take his own life

DEAR DEIDRE: ONE of my oldest friends has taken his own life. I was, and still am, heartbroken.

We were the same age and have known each other since we were babies, growing up in the same village.

We went through playgroup, primary and secondary school together. Same year. Same class.

I’m female and he’s the same age as me at 27.

We only went our separate ways when we left school so it was great a few years ago when we started to meet again in the pub and had some great nights out.

We even went to a festival together. I’ll never forget his cheeky and mischievous smile.

My last memory of him was on New Year’s Eve when he put his arm around me.

I’ve never lost anyone to suicide before.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m sorry to hear of your loss.

When we hear of the suicide of somebody we know, it touches us like no other death – it feels needless and it’s natural you’d wonder whether the outcome could have been different.

Find some urgent bereavement help through Support After Suicide, supportaftersuicide.org.uk.