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
Many of us fear talking about suicide because we don’t understand it.
Learning even a little builds confidence, reduces stigma, and helps us respond with care instead of silence 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
Learning even a little builds confidence, reduces stigma, and helps us respond with care instead of silence 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
January 19, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Many of us fear talking about suicide because we don’t understand it.
Learning even a little builds confidence, reduces stigma, and helps us respond with care instead of silence 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
Learning even a little builds confidence, reduces stigma, and helps us respond with care instead of silence 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
You are more than the worst thing that’s happened to you.
Even when it takes years to believe that 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #Love #Loss #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope
Even when it takes years to believe that 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #Love #Loss #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope
January 19, 2026 at 2:23 PM
You are more than the worst thing that’s happened to you.
Even when it takes years to believe that 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #Love #Loss #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope
Even when it takes years to believe that 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #Love #Loss #SuicideLoss #Healing #Hope
After suicide loss, the mind doesn’t move on 💔
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
Facing the fear after loss by suicide
Daddy Blackbird #38
open.substack.com
January 18, 2026 at 3:55 PM
After suicide loss, the mind doesn’t move on 💔
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
"You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” | Pablo Neruda 💛☀️🌱
Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and peaceful day 🫶🙌🌟
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #BookSky #Hope 🐦⬛
Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and peaceful day 🫶🙌🌟
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #BookSky #Hope 🐦⬛
January 18, 2026 at 10:53 AM
"You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” | Pablo Neruda 💛☀️🌱
Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and peaceful day 🫶🙌🌟
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #BookSky #Hope 🐦⬛
Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy and peaceful day 🫶🙌🌟
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #BookSky #Hope 🐦⬛
“Instead of saying ‘I’m damaged, I’m broken, I have trust issues.” I say “I’m healing, I’m rediscovering myself, I’m starting over.” | Horacio Jones 🫶
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Healing #Hope 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Healing #Hope 💛
January 18, 2026 at 9:52 AM
“Instead of saying ‘I’m damaged, I’m broken, I have trust issues.” I say “I’m healing, I’m rediscovering myself, I’m starting over.” | Horacio Jones 🫶
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Healing #Hope 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicideAwareness #MentalHealth #Healing #Hope 💛
If we want better conversations about mental health, we need less fixing and more listening.
Safety comes before solutions 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicidePrevention #Grief #MentalHealth #Hope
Safety comes before solutions 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicidePrevention #Grief #MentalHealth #Hope
January 18, 2026 at 8:21 AM
If we want better conversations about mental health, we need less fixing and more listening.
Safety comes before solutions 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicidePrevention #Grief #MentalHealth #Hope
Safety comes before solutions 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #SuicidePrevention #Grief #MentalHealth #Hope
After suicide loss, the mind doesn’t move on.
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
Facing the fear after loss by suicide
Daddy Blackbird #38
open.substack.com
January 17, 2026 at 8:05 AM
After suicide loss, the mind doesn’t move on.
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
It replays, interrogates, and ambushes.
I wrote about PTSD, trauma therapy, what it actually means to live alongside unbearable memories and how I overcame them 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #PTSD #Therapy
You can function, work, parent, laugh and still be deeply traumatised.
Coping is what helps you survive.
Healing is what helps you feel safe again.
Let the light in 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Trauma #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
Coping is what helps you survive.
Healing is what helps you feel safe again.
Let the light in 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Trauma #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
January 16, 2026 at 7:20 AM
You can function, work, parent, laugh and still be deeply traumatised.
Coping is what helps you survive.
Healing is what helps you feel safe again.
Let the light in 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Trauma #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
Coping is what helps you survive.
Healing is what helps you feel safe again.
Let the light in 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #Trauma #Healing #Hope 🐦⬛
Asking for help after suicide loss isn’t simple.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
Asking for help after loss by suicide
Daddy Blackbird #37
daddyblackbird.substack.com
January 13, 2026 at 2:22 PM
Asking for help after suicide loss isn’t simple.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” | Albert Camus
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Resilience #Hope
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Resilience #Hope
January 12, 2026 at 7:32 AM
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” | Albert Camus
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Resilience #Hope
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Resilience #Hope
After my husband died by suicide I found myself at rock bottom. A therapist told me: “I will carry hope for you until you’re ready to carry it for yourself.” And she really did.
Many times since then I have experienced kindness, love & joy. And there is much more to come 💛
#DaddyBlackbird 🐦⬛🐝
Many times since then I have experienced kindness, love & joy. And there is much more to come 💛
#DaddyBlackbird 🐦⬛🐝
January 11, 2026 at 7:03 PM
After my husband died by suicide I found myself at rock bottom. A therapist told me: “I will carry hope for you until you’re ready to carry it for yourself.” And she really did.
Many times since then I have experienced kindness, love & joy. And there is much more to come 💛
#DaddyBlackbird 🐦⬛🐝
Many times since then I have experienced kindness, love & joy. And there is much more to come 💛
#DaddyBlackbird 🐦⬛🐝
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
January 11, 2026 at 5:17 PM
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
This is so true!
When Steve died, I had to prepare myself for this unpredictability and all of grief’s sneaky moments.
So I got stronger, and I focused on building up my mental, emotional and physical health 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
When Steve died, I had to prepare myself for this unpredictability and all of grief’s sneaky moments.
So I got stronger, and I focused on building up my mental, emotional and physical health 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
January 11, 2026 at 2:57 PM
This is so true!
When Steve died, I had to prepare myself for this unpredictability and all of grief’s sneaky moments.
So I got stronger, and I focused on building up my mental, emotional and physical health 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
When Steve died, I had to prepare myself for this unpredictability and all of grief’s sneaky moments.
So I got stronger, and I focused on building up my mental, emotional and physical health 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Resilience #Hope
Kindness is a spark - small to give, but enough to light up someone’s whole day 💡🌟✨
#DaddyBlackbird #Kindness #Hope 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Kindness #Hope 💛
January 11, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Kindness is a spark - small to give, but enough to light up someone’s whole day 💡🌟✨
#DaddyBlackbird #Kindness #Hope 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Kindness #Hope 💛
Wouldn’t it be nice if grief took a day off?
Be gentle with yourselves, today and everyday 💛💛💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Help #Hope
Be gentle with yourselves, today and everyday 💛💛💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Help #Hope
January 10, 2026 at 5:17 PM
Wouldn’t it be nice if grief took a day off?
Be gentle with yourselves, today and everyday 💛💛💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Help #Hope
Be gentle with yourselves, today and everyday 💛💛💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideLoss #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Help #Hope
A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference, especially for someone struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide.
Take extra care of those around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Hope 🐦⬛
Take extra care of those around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Hope 🐦⬛
January 10, 2026 at 10:16 AM
A simple act of kindness can make a significant difference, especially for someone struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide.
Take extra care of those around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Hope 🐦⬛
Take extra care of those around you 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #SuicidePrevention #Kindness #Hope 🐦⬛
Asking for help after suicide loss isn’t simple.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
Asking for help after loss by suicide
Daddy Blackbird #37
daddyblackbird.substack.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Asking for help after suicide loss isn’t simple.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
After Steve died, I did all the “right things” - GP, friends, support - and was told to wait.
I learned grief after suicide is trauma in the body, not just sadness.
In #DaddyBlackbird #37 I write about why the right kind of help matters.
We don’t talk enough about what it takes to hold space for someone struggling.
It’s not just listening.
It’s absorbing.
It’s carrying stories home.
If you’ve ever been that person - the listener, the one people turn to - I see you.
You deserve space too 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
It’s not just listening.
It’s absorbing.
It’s carrying stories home.
If you’ve ever been that person - the listener, the one people turn to - I see you.
You deserve space too 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
January 9, 2026 at 7:03 PM
We don’t talk enough about what it takes to hold space for someone struggling.
It’s not just listening.
It’s absorbing.
It’s carrying stories home.
If you’ve ever been that person - the listener, the one people turn to - I see you.
You deserve space too 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
It’s not just listening.
It’s absorbing.
It’s carrying stories home.
If you’ve ever been that person - the listener, the one people turn to - I see you.
You deserve space too 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness
Nobody can save you but yourself, and you’re worth saving. It’s a war not easily won, but if anything is worth winning then this is it.” | Charles Bukowski 💛💛💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Selfcare #Compassion #Kindness #ChangeTheNarrative
#DaddyBlackbird #Selfcare #Compassion #Kindness #ChangeTheNarrative
January 9, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Nobody can save you but yourself, and you’re worth saving. It’s a war not easily won, but if anything is worth winning then this is it.” | Charles Bukowski 💛💛💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Selfcare #Compassion #Kindness #ChangeTheNarrative
#DaddyBlackbird #Selfcare #Compassion #Kindness #ChangeTheNarrative
Suicide affects family, friends, colleagues, and communities.
Pain doesn't get reserved for the people closest.
Anyone touched can seek help.
Anyone impacted deserves support 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Help #Hope
Pain doesn't get reserved for the people closest.
Anyone touched can seek help.
Anyone impacted deserves support 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Help #Hope
January 9, 2026 at 7:50 AM
Suicide affects family, friends, colleagues, and communities.
Pain doesn't get reserved for the people closest.
Anyone touched can seek help.
Anyone impacted deserves support 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Help #Hope
Pain doesn't get reserved for the people closest.
Anyone touched can seek help.
Anyone impacted deserves support 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #SuicideLoss #Help #Hope
“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” | Mark Anthony
These words inspired me to face my fears in the wake of grief and loss 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Hope
These words inspired me to face my fears in the wake of grief and loss 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Hope
January 8, 2026 at 5:23 PM
“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.” | Mark Anthony
These words inspired me to face my fears in the wake of grief and loss 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Hope
These words inspired me to face my fears in the wake of grief and loss 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #Grief #Hope
Sometimes the hardest conversations are the ones we avoid.
Speaking gently, listening fully, can save more lives than silence ever will 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Compassion #Kindness
Speaking gently, listening fully, can save more lives than silence ever will 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Compassion #Kindness
January 8, 2026 at 2:23 PM
Sometimes the hardest conversations are the ones we avoid.
Speaking gently, listening fully, can save more lives than silence ever will 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Compassion #Kindness
Speaking gently, listening fully, can save more lives than silence ever will 💛🐦⬛
#DaddyBlackbird #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Compassion #Kindness
❌ 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
January 8, 2026 at 7:23 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
We talk a lot about suicide prevention, far less about what happens after.
I joined Freddie Cocker on the #JustCheckingIn podcast to talk about life after losing my husband Steve to suicide, postvention, language, children, grief, and why healing is ongoing.
🎧 Listen here 💛
#DaddyBlackbird
I joined Freddie Cocker on the #JustCheckingIn podcast to talk about life after losing my husband Steve to suicide, postvention, language, children, grief, and why healing is ongoing.
🎧 Listen here 💛
#DaddyBlackbird
JCIP #319 - Caroline Roodhouse -
Listen to episode 319 of The Just Checking In Podcast with author and mental health advocate, Caroline Roodhouse.
vent.org.uk
January 8, 2026 at 7:17 AM
We talk a lot about suicide prevention, far less about what happens after.
I joined Freddie Cocker on the #JustCheckingIn podcast to talk about life after losing my husband Steve to suicide, postvention, language, children, grief, and why healing is ongoing.
🎧 Listen here 💛
#DaddyBlackbird
I joined Freddie Cocker on the #JustCheckingIn podcast to talk about life after losing my husband Steve to suicide, postvention, language, children, grief, and why healing is ongoing.
🎧 Listen here 💛
#DaddyBlackbird
Changing the narrative on suicide doesn’t begin with experts or therapists.
It begins with us.
With choosing courage over silence.
With reaching in, even when we’re unsure what to say 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #StartTheConversation
It begins with us.
With choosing courage over silence.
With reaching in, even when we’re unsure what to say 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #StartTheConversation
January 7, 2026 at 7:03 PM
Changing the narrative on suicide doesn’t begin with experts or therapists.
It begins with us.
With choosing courage over silence.
With reaching in, even when we’re unsure what to say 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #StartTheConversation
It begins with us.
With choosing courage over silence.
With reaching in, even when we’re unsure what to say 💛
#DaddyBlackbird #SuicideAwareness #StartTheConversation