Actress Ruthie Henshall has opened up about the lasting impact of her family’s history of suicide and the resulting concern she has for her daughters’ mental health. Henshall, 59, revealed that her sister Noel died by suicide in August 2007 after overdosing on painkillers. The Olivier Award-winning performer has described Noel’s death as a tragic outcome of depression.

During a recent appearance on the Happy Mum podcast with Giovanna Fletcher, Henshall discussed how these personal losses have shaped her fears. She said that her mother, Gloria, had spoken about her own struggles with suicidal thoughts, and another sister, Sue, had attempted suicide. These experiences have left Henshall fearful that her two daughters, Lily Amalia, 23, and Dolly Olivia, 21, could face similar challenges. Both daughters are from her previous marriage to actor and singer Tim Howar.

“In my world, people do it,” Henshall said. “If my girls are in pain, something in me panics that they are going to do something stupid because people do it in my family.” She also disclosed that reflecting on her sister Noel’s death contributed to her experiencing a breakdown during her participation in the 2020 series of I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Henshall’s candid comments highlight the ongoing stigma and fear surrounding mental health issues within families affected by suicide. Her openness seeks to raise awareness about the importance of support and understanding for those dealing with similar struggles. For those needing confidential help, resources such as Samaritans offer support via phone or online.