On June 19, 16-year-old Misterton student Maisie Cousin-Stirk was found dead in woodlands near her house, the Nottingham Post reports.
Maisie took her own life just six weeks after finishing her GCSE exams.
Her mother, Helen Cousin, told the Daily Mail that she did not see the signs her daughter was depressed.
“I never thought she would do this. We were very close and she was always by my side. I really thought she could talk to me about anything,” she said.
“Maisie was a fantastic daughter. She was doing well at school. She didn't have loads of friends, but I think she wanted it that way and she had a few very close friends. I know they had fallings out and there were stresses and worries but I thought those were just normal teenage things.”
The mother revealed that Maise did not leave a suicide note, but Helen’s older daughter Amy found a devastating drawing. The note read “I’m fine,” but when turned upside had the message: “Help me”.
“I had no idea she was hiding these feelings and I hope that I can just help other teenagers now to speak to someone before it is too late,” Helen explained.
Helen is now helping raise funds for the suicide prevention charity Papyrus. You can donate here.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental health issues, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36.
This article first published on Marie Claire.
