REFLECTIONS | NICOLA ROBERTSON

Title

What Nicola Robertson Taught Me About Talking About Suicide

The Story

This episode has stayed with me, deeply emotional and hard-hitting.

After losing her son to suicide, Nicola founded SAFFE (Suicide Affecting Family and Friends Everywhere) to support others. She speaks openly about suicide awareness, her abusive childhood, and finding purpose through unimaginable loss.

A powerful story of grief, strength, and helping others through pain.

Opening

Nicola’s story is one every parent fears.

You could see the toll it has taken, in her pace, her voice, the way she told it. It’s still incredibly hard for her to talk about. She was joined by her sister, quietly supporting her throughout the conversation.

What Stayed With Me

This felt different to any conversation I’ve had.

It felt like a part of Nicola had gone, a heartbreak that never leaves. A loving mother trying to make sense of something that has no clear answer.

The Bigger Reflection

It frustrates me that we still struggle to speak openly about suicide, especially on platforms like YouTube, where these conversations can be flagged or suppressed.

At a time when suicide is rising, shouldn’t we be encouraging honest discussion instead of limiting it? It raises bigger questions about responsibility, awareness, and what we choose to prioritise as a society.

A Line I Won’t Forget

“Tell Mam and Dad I’m sorry.”

Some of the most heartbreaking words I’ve ever heard.

Closing Thought

Nicola spoke about accepting that her son didn’t want to be here anymore. That’s incredibly hard to understand, like a forgiveness in its most extreme form.

I don’t know if I could ever get there.

What stayed with me most is this: there is no clear pattern with suicide. Nicola’s son had friends, family, and seemed happy. We search for answers, for warning signs, but sometimes, they just aren’t there.