It has been one year since Gareth and Rachael Williams’s 24-year-old daughter, Rhiannon Williams, took her own life.
Rhiannon may have been gone for a while, but the void she left is deeply felt by her loved ones, including her parents, siblings, and friends.
However, emptiness isn’t the only thing left. Her father and mother still regret underestimating her struggles with mental health.
- Rhiannon Williams passed away by su*icide last year.
- The 24-year-old woman was studying for a Master’s in creative writing in London.
- Her parents revealed that she had been dealing with depression and anxiety and was also receiving counseling.
Gareth Williams described that his daughter’s loss hit him like a “depth charge,” which tore apart his life in ways that are hard to put into words.
Williams has now asked other parents to understand how dangerous poor mental health can be.
Gareth Williams: People Say “It’s Not Your Fault,” But You Always Carry It
Months before Rhiannon passed away, the Williams family found out that she was dealing with depression and anxiety. She was also receiving counseling.
The late woman’s dad recently said that they hoped her condition was something that counseling, time, and GP support could heal.
But he said they completely underestimated their daughter’s struggle.
“When you’re living with somebody you don’t notice these incremental changes. One of our regrets is why didn’t we see this?” People say ‘it’s not your fault’ but you’re always going to carry that as a parent.”
Gareth Williams told the BBC
Rhiannon’s parents, Gareth and Rachael Williams, understood how serious her condition was only after they found her private diaries.
Her notebooks are said to reference online sites she used to meticulously plan to take her own life.
BBC News – Suicide: Dad 'will always carry guilt' after daughter's death.
— Scotland_Media (@Scotland_Media) September 10, 2024
One year on from Rhiannon’s death, Gareth Williams wants other parents to know how "seriously dangerous" poor mental health can be.
BBC Newshttps://t.co/5qF0qrQFEM
Rhiannon was a Master’s student. While in London, she pursued her studies in creative writing.
According to her family, she was a high achiever who had won several awards and prizes for her impressive writing skills. She left London abruptly and moved back to Wales (her home).
The Williams family also shared that her mental health deteriorated significantly in the months before her demise.
The Jac Lewis Foundation, which was commissioned by the Welsh government, offered support to the Williams couple and their two sons.
The heartbroken father said, “Counseling helped with “the feelings of guilt that I think are probably stronger for this kind of bereavement than others.”
He referred to it as “a depth charge, because it’s very private – like it’s below the water.”
“But you just have to rebuild and look at the positives. As parents we’re very conscious that we have to make sure our two sons know that life goes on,” added Mr. Williams.
Additional Information
- Rhiannon Williams’s father is 61-year old and a solicitor from Swansea.
- Rhiannon has two younger brothers, whose names and ages are unknown.
- The Welsh government started the National Advisory and Liaison Service to support individuals and families affected by s*icide.
