Caroline Roodhouse
@daddyblackbird.bsky.social
Widow | Best-Selling Author | Speaker on loss by suicide | Communicator | Mentor | Mum | Mental Health | UK
Read: https://daddyblackbird.com/book/ 💛
Read: https://daddyblackbird.com/book/ 💛
Pinned
“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.” | Emily Dickinson
My latest article reflects on a period marked by profound grief, hitting a personal low, and the very first steps toward rebuilding.
⚠️ Please note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
Take care 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
⚠️ Please note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
Take care 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
Hitting rock bottom
Daddy Blackbird #32
open.substack.com
November 30, 2025 at 4:24 PM
My latest article reflects on a period marked by profound grief, hitting a personal low, and the very first steps toward rebuilding.
⚠️ Please note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
Take care 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
⚠️ Please note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
Take care 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
After my husband died by suicide, my mental health plummeted and I found myself in some dark places.
Eventually, I realised that hiding away, and fighting the changes in my life was futile, I had to accept and embrace my new reality 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
Eventually, I realised that hiding away, and fighting the changes in my life was futile, I had to accept and embrace my new reality 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
November 30, 2025 at 8:53 AM
After my husband died by suicide, my mental health plummeted and I found myself in some dark places.
Eventually, I realised that hiding away, and fighting the changes in my life was futile, I had to accept and embrace my new reality 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
Eventually, I realised that hiding away, and fighting the changes in my life was futile, I had to accept and embrace my new reality 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
Every week in the UK, around 125 people die by suicide.
Behind every number is a name, a story, and people left carrying heartbreak.
We need braver, kinder conversations, because silence helps no one 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma
Behind every number is a name, a story, and people left carrying heartbreak.
We need braver, kinder conversations, because silence helps no one 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma
November 29, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Every week in the UK, around 125 people die by suicide.
Behind every number is a name, a story, and people left carrying heartbreak.
We need braver, kinder conversations, because silence helps no one 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma
Behind every number is a name, a story, and people left carrying heartbreak.
We need braver, kinder conversations, because silence helps no one 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #EndTheStigma
In my latest Substack story, I reflect on a period marked by profound grief, hitting a personal low, and the very first steps toward rebuilding.
⚠️ Note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
⚠️ Note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
Hitting rock bottom
Daddy Blackbird #32
open.substack.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:05 AM
In my latest Substack story, I reflect on a period marked by profound grief, hitting a personal low, and the very first steps toward rebuilding.
⚠️ Note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
⚠️ Note: Along with reference to suicide loss, this article and video include references to self-harm.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy 💔
Be gentle. People are holding more than they show 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Hope
Be gentle. People are holding more than they show 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Hope
November 28, 2025 at 2:52 PM
Just because someone carries it well doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy 💔
Be gentle. People are holding more than they show 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Hope
Be gentle. People are holding more than they show 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Hope
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” | Dalai Lama 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
November 28, 2025 at 7:51 AM
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” | Dalai Lama 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
“Hope. It’s like a drop of honey, a field of tulips blooming in the springtime. It’s a fresh rain, a whispered promise, a cloudless sky, the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a sentence. And it’s the only thing in the world keeping me afloat.” | Tahereh Mafi
#DaddyBlackbird #BookSky #Hope 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #BookSky #Hope 💛
November 28, 2025 at 5:52 AM
“Hope. It’s like a drop of honey, a field of tulips blooming in the springtime. It’s a fresh rain, a whispered promise, a cloudless sky, the perfect punctuation mark at the end of a sentence. And it’s the only thing in the world keeping me afloat.” | Tahereh Mafi
#DaddyBlackbird #BookSky #Hope 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #BookSky #Hope 💛
❌ MYTH: “If I ask them about suicide, it might put the idea in their head.”
✔️ FACT: There’s no evidence that asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide makes them more likely to act on it. In fact, it can reduce distress and help someone feel less alone.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
✔️ FACT: There’s no evidence that asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide makes them more likely to act on it. In fact, it can reduce distress and help someone feel less alone.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
November 24, 2025 at 2:47 PM
❌ MYTH: “If I ask them about suicide, it might put the idea in their head.”
✔️ FACT: There’s no evidence that asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide makes them more likely to act on it. In fact, it can reduce distress and help someone feel less alone.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
✔️ FACT: There’s no evidence that asking someone if they’re thinking about suicide makes them more likely to act on it. In fact, it can reduce distress and help someone feel less alone.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
Today is #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay 💜
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
Questions, questions, questions
Daddy Blackbird #31
open.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 4:11 PM
Today is #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay 💜
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
#SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay helps people find understanding and connection through shared experience.
It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible 💛💜💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible 💛💜💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
November 22, 2025 at 7:01 PM
#SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay helps people find understanding and connection through shared experience.
It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible 💛💜💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
It reminds us that even in the midst of loss, hope and healing are possible 💛💜💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
Today and everyday remember that there is no timeline for grief.
You’ve earned the right to own it and do whatever you damn well please with it 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay #Grief #Hope #Love
You’ve earned the right to own it and do whatever you damn well please with it 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay #Grief #Hope #Love
November 22, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Today and everyday remember that there is no timeline for grief.
You’ve earned the right to own it and do whatever you damn well please with it 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay #Grief #Hope #Love
You’ve earned the right to own it and do whatever you damn well please with it 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay #Grief #Hope #Love
✔️Stay in bed
✔️Cry all day
✔️ Shout and scream
✔️ Hug a friend
✔️Hug a goat
✔️Laugh in an empty room
✔️Go to the movies
✔️Eat too much cake
✔️Be angry
✔️Talk to a stranger
✔️Buy yourself flowers
✔️Buy yourself cheese
✔️Jump in a puddle
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideDay
✔️Cry all day
✔️ Shout and scream
✔️ Hug a friend
✔️Hug a goat
✔️Laugh in an empty room
✔️Go to the movies
✔️Eat too much cake
✔️Be angry
✔️Talk to a stranger
✔️Buy yourself flowers
✔️Buy yourself cheese
✔️Jump in a puddle
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideDay
November 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
✔️Stay in bed
✔️Cry all day
✔️ Shout and scream
✔️ Hug a friend
✔️Hug a goat
✔️Laugh in an empty room
✔️Go to the movies
✔️Eat too much cake
✔️Be angry
✔️Talk to a stranger
✔️Buy yourself flowers
✔️Buy yourself cheese
✔️Jump in a puddle
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideDay
✔️Cry all day
✔️ Shout and scream
✔️ Hug a friend
✔️Hug a goat
✔️Laugh in an empty room
✔️Go to the movies
✔️Eat too much cake
✔️Be angry
✔️Talk to a stranger
✔️Buy yourself flowers
✔️Buy yourself cheese
✔️Jump in a puddle
#DaddyBlackbird #SurvivorsOfSuicideDay
❌ MYTH: It's obvious when someone is thinking about suicide.
✔️FACT: Some people show many signs. Some show very few. Everyone behaves differently.
If you're worried, the best thing you can do is ask directly. It could save a life. 💙
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthMatters
✔️FACT: Some people show many signs. Some show very few. Everyone behaves differently.
If you're worried, the best thing you can do is ask directly. It could save a life. 💙
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthMatters
November 22, 2025 at 9:46 AM
❌ MYTH: It's obvious when someone is thinking about suicide.
✔️FACT: Some people show many signs. Some show very few. Everyone behaves differently.
If you're worried, the best thing you can do is ask directly. It could save a life. 💙
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthMatters
✔️FACT: Some people show many signs. Some show very few. Everyone behaves differently.
If you're worried, the best thing you can do is ask directly. It could save a life. 💙
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealthMatters
Today is #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay 💜
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
Questions, questions, questions
Daddy Blackbird #31
open.substack.com
November 22, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Today is #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay 💜
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
My new piece, 'Questions, Questions, Questions', shares the hard questions that followed and how they shaped grief after Steve’s death 💔
I’ve also shared a short video on navigating these moments with children.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
Ahead of #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay, I spoke with @rethinkcharity.bsky.social about my grief journey and how I now feel more hopeful about the future.
You can watch my short film here...
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #MentalHealth
You can watch my short film here...
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #MentalHealth
Suicide loss and prevention - Rethink Mental Illness
Suicide affects everyone. Whether you are having suicidal thoughts, have attempted to take your own life, or lost someone to suicide, Rethink Mental Illness is here for you.
www.rethink.org
November 21, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Ahead of #SurvivorsOfSuicideLossDay, I spoke with @rethinkcharity.bsky.social about my grief journey and how I now feel more hopeful about the future.
You can watch my short film here...
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #MentalHealth
You can watch my short film here...
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #Grief #Loss #MentalHealth
❌ We don’t say “committed suicide.”
We choose gentler alternatives, like “died by suicide.”
Because no one commits cancer. Or heartbreak.
It’s not political correctness. It’s kindness.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
We choose gentler alternatives, like “died by suicide.”
Because no one commits cancer. Or heartbreak.
It’s not political correctness. It’s kindness.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
November 21, 2025 at 2:45 PM
❌ We don’t say “committed suicide.”
We choose gentler alternatives, like “died by suicide.”
Because no one commits cancer. Or heartbreak.
It’s not political correctness. It’s kindness.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
We choose gentler alternatives, like “died by suicide.”
Because no one commits cancer. Or heartbreak.
It’s not political correctness. It’s kindness.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
I used to think grief had a timeline. My workplace definitely did.
But it doesn’t work like that.
It shifts, softens, spikes, surprises, years later.
Not because we’re failing to ‘move on’, but because love keeps living alongside us.
Missing someone does too 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
But it doesn’t work like that.
It shifts, softens, spikes, surprises, years later.
Not because we’re failing to ‘move on’, but because love keeps living alongside us.
Missing someone does too 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
November 21, 2025 at 7:37 AM
I used to think grief had a timeline. My workplace definitely did.
But it doesn’t work like that.
It shifts, softens, spikes, surprises, years later.
Not because we’re failing to ‘move on’, but because love keeps living alongside us.
Missing someone does too 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
But it doesn’t work like that.
It shifts, softens, spikes, surprises, years later.
Not because we’re failing to ‘move on’, but because love keeps living alongside us.
Missing someone does too 💔
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss
This time yesterday I was travelling to Westminster for the launch of the new British Standard on Suicide and the Workplace (BS30480).
It’s been called trailblazing and life-changing and I’m proud to have written the accompanying First Steps Guide.
An incredible experience.
#DaddyBlackbird
It’s been called trailblazing and life-changing and I’m proud to have written the accompanying First Steps Guide.
An incredible experience.
#DaddyBlackbird
November 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
This time yesterday I was travelling to Westminster for the launch of the new British Standard on Suicide and the Workplace (BS30480).
It’s been called trailblazing and life-changing and I’m proud to have written the accompanying First Steps Guide.
An incredible experience.
#DaddyBlackbird
It’s been called trailblazing and life-changing and I’m proud to have written the accompanying First Steps Guide.
An incredible experience.
#DaddyBlackbird
One thing I wasn’t prepared for after Steve’s suicide was how messy the “systems” were.
Police, coroners, schools, services… everyone trying, but none of it joined up.
You’re navigating the gaps no one warns you about.
And it’s in those gaps that real compassion is needed most.
#DaddyBlackbird
Police, coroners, schools, services… everyone trying, but none of it joined up.
You’re navigating the gaps no one warns you about.
And it’s in those gaps that real compassion is needed most.
#DaddyBlackbird
November 20, 2025 at 3:22 PM
One thing I wasn’t prepared for after Steve’s suicide was how messy the “systems” were.
Police, coroners, schools, services… everyone trying, but none of it joined up.
You’re navigating the gaps no one warns you about.
And it’s in those gaps that real compassion is needed most.
#DaddyBlackbird
Police, coroners, schools, services… everyone trying, but none of it joined up.
You’re navigating the gaps no one warns you about.
And it’s in those gaps that real compassion is needed most.
#DaddyBlackbird
You don’t need perfect words.
You just need presence.
If someone tells you they’ve lost someone to suicide, don’t panic.
Say: I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hard.
Then stay 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
You just need presence.
If someone tells you they’ve lost someone to suicide, don’t panic.
Say: I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hard.
Then stay 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
November 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
You don’t need perfect words.
You just need presence.
If someone tells you they’ve lost someone to suicide, don’t panic.
Say: I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hard.
Then stay 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
You just need presence.
If someone tells you they’ve lost someone to suicide, don’t panic.
Say: I’m so sorry. That must be incredibly hard.
Then stay 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief #Hope
Your tribe is the anchor when storms arise and the wind beneath your wings when you soar.
When you need to feel hope, look for it in the people around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
When you need to feel hope, look for it in the people around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
November 18, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Your tribe is the anchor when storms arise and the wind beneath your wings when you soar.
When you need to feel hope, look for it in the people around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
When you need to feel hope, look for it in the people around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Kindness #Compassion #Hope
❌MYTH: It only happens to certain people.
✔️FACT: #Suicide doesn’t belong to one gender, culture, age, or group. Although we know it’s more common among men, it can affect anyone.
We all have a role to play in noticing, listening, and supporting 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #ChangeTheNarrative
✔️FACT: #Suicide doesn’t belong to one gender, culture, age, or group. Although we know it’s more common among men, it can affect anyone.
We all have a role to play in noticing, listening, and supporting 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #ChangeTheNarrative
November 17, 2025 at 2:42 PM
❌MYTH: It only happens to certain people.
✔️FACT: #Suicide doesn’t belong to one gender, culture, age, or group. Although we know it’s more common among men, it can affect anyone.
We all have a role to play in noticing, listening, and supporting 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #ChangeTheNarrative
✔️FACT: #Suicide doesn’t belong to one gender, culture, age, or group. Although we know it’s more common among men, it can affect anyone.
We all have a role to play in noticing, listening, and supporting 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #ChangeTheNarrative
The Greek word for trauma literally means “to pierce one’s armour.”
It breaks through our emotional protection leaving us exposed.
It explains why grief can feel raw and overwhelming.
If you’re grieving, recognise the pain - go slowly and go gently.
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #SuicideLoss
It breaks through our emotional protection leaving us exposed.
It explains why grief can feel raw and overwhelming.
If you’re grieving, recognise the pain - go slowly and go gently.
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #SuicideLoss
November 16, 2025 at 6:59 PM
The Greek word for trauma literally means “to pierce one’s armour.”
It breaks through our emotional protection leaving us exposed.
It explains why grief can feel raw and overwhelming.
If you’re grieving, recognise the pain - go slowly and go gently.
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #SuicideLoss
It breaks through our emotional protection leaving us exposed.
It explains why grief can feel raw and overwhelming.
If you’re grieving, recognise the pain - go slowly and go gently.
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #SuicideLoss
The school run should be a safe place.
But after Steve’s suicide, it became a moment of impossible questions, hidden grief, and invisible burdens.
Read about it in article #30: Suicide is not the subject for a school run ❤️🩹
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Care #Compassion #MentalHealth 🐦⬛
But after Steve’s suicide, it became a moment of impossible questions, hidden grief, and invisible burdens.
Read about it in article #30: Suicide is not the subject for a school run ❤️🩹
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Care #Compassion #MentalHealth 🐦⬛
Suicide is not the subject for a school run
Daddy Blackbird #30
open.substack.com
November 16, 2025 at 2:58 PM
The school run should be a safe place.
But after Steve’s suicide, it became a moment of impossible questions, hidden grief, and invisible burdens.
Read about it in article #30: Suicide is not the subject for a school run ❤️🩹
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Care #Compassion #MentalHealth 🐦⬛
But after Steve’s suicide, it became a moment of impossible questions, hidden grief, and invisible burdens.
Read about it in article #30: Suicide is not the subject for a school run ❤️🩹
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Care #Compassion #MentalHealth 🐦⬛
❌ MYTH: You should be ‘over it’ by now.
✔️ FACT: There’s no deadline for grief. We don’t move on, we move forward, carrying what we lost.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief
✔️ FACT: There’s no deadline for grief. We don’t move on, we move forward, carrying what we lost.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief
November 16, 2025 at 8:42 AM
❌ MYTH: You should be ‘over it’ by now.
✔️ FACT: There’s no deadline for grief. We don’t move on, we move forward, carrying what we lost.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief
✔️ FACT: There’s no deadline for grief. We don’t move on, we move forward, carrying what we lost.
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Grief