A BARROW mum went above and beyond to help save the life of a stranger threatening to kill herself thousands of miles away.

Helen Ducie, of Kent Street in Barrow, was immediately concerned when she saw distressing posts from a mum in a support group Facebook page.

The 58-year-old dialled 999 and was informed that the woman was based overseas in Oregon, America.

Police then informed Interpol who sent officers to the woman's home to check on her welfare.

Ms Ducie, who has suffered with her own mental health issues, said she was 'beyond relived' that she was able to help the woman in time.

She said: "This poor woman wasn't getting any support from her parents or services and had written her goodbyes in a Facebook post.

"I knew what she was going through and felt like I had to help.

"I messaged her, rang 101, and then I felt so desperate I rang 999 but I didn't know where she was.

"A police man called me back and told me she was in Oregon and police would get in touch with Interpol.

"I sat up all night and was on and off with tears, hoping she was okay and someone had got to her in time."

Ms Ducie heard from the woman the next day that she was safe.

"She messaged me the next afternoon saying she was still alive but not doing well," she said.

"I felt so relieved that she was alive and getting help from services.

"I wish I could've flown over there and just given her a hug. There is a place in my heart for her - I think about turmoil she must be in."

Ms Ducie is calling for the stigma surrounding mental health to be removed.

She said: "I think a lot of people think depression is a lifestyle choice but you can't just snap out of it.

"It's the year 2020 and a stigma still exists around mental health and some people don't think it's acceptable to say they need help.

"I know how bad it can be yet I know how good it can get - suicide doesn't end the pain, it passes it on."

Ms Ducie is urging anyone struggling with their mental health to seek help.

She said: "A lot of people struggling with their mental health feel like they're a burden - I've been there and know depression makes you feel like that.

"I've suffered with depression since my 30s and go through periods of being well then unwell - it comes in clusters.

"But I know from my experience that there is no no shame in saying you need help.

"Depression is just the same as any other illness, people have got to reach out before it's too late.

"Just asking a stranger how they are doing today can make the world of difference."

If you’re struggling and want to speak to someone, you can call the Samaritans, on 116 123 for free at any time of the day or night.

To find more ways to speak to the Samaritans, visit: www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help.