Understanding Suicidal Thoughts with Cathy Shah

This week on The Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by the brilliant Cathy Shah, author, poet and mental health ambassador, for a conversation about a topic many of us find difficult to approach: suicide and suicidal ideation. Cathy shares her own story with incredible honesty, insight and even moments of dark humour, helping us look at this subject without fear or awkwardness.

Cathy grew up in Tallaght in the 80s and 90s and is of mixed Indian-Irish heritage. Her powerful memoir Rabbit Holes and Rainbows explores childhood trauma, racism, psychosis, addiction, suicidal thoughts and recovery - all told with remarkable emotional openness.

In this episode we talk about what suicidal ideation can feel like from the inside, why silence and shame make things worse, and how simple, compassionate conversations can genuinely save lives.

It’s a heavy topic, but Cathy brings wisdom, warmth and real hope - and I truly believe this conversation could help someone you care about.

If you have been affected by any of the subject matter in this conversation, please see the details below:

-Samaritans

Web: www.samaritans.org/samaritans-ireland/

Ph: (ROI) 116 123

Email: jo@samaritans.ie

-Pieta

Web: www.pieta.ie

Ph: (ROI) 1800 247 247