Imagine having to hide in the bathroom so your children don't hear you call The Samaritans, or feeling like such a burden that you don't want to exist anymore.
Then imagine turning those struggles into a piece of work which is helping others to realise their own need for help.
Such is the journey of Scottish writer, Sally Warrack, who admits to turning her life around in the new book 'Intuitive Goodess: 15 Spiritual Women Share Their Stories of Healing, Growth & Transformation'.
The mum-of-two wrote the first chapter in the collection, which sees her churning out reflections of the dark in her search for the light.
Speaking with the Glasgow Times, Sally said: "The chapter is all about where my life was a few years ago and what was happening at that point.
"After the birth of my first and then second child, I was suffering a lot of mental health issues, which I just put it down to being a new mum.
"But eventually it just felt like my world sort of fell apart.
"I didn't know what my future held, I was suicidal, and I just felt like a burden. I didn't want to be around anymore.
"I remember one night even hiding in the bathroom away from my children as I called The Samaritans.
"The book delves into all of that and looks at this deep healing journey of finding myself again and rising from the ashes, so to speak."
The book was released in January after Sally was approached for the collection.
Though she admitted writing a book was 'never on her radar', Sally's penmanship of struggles has already helped numerous people, including herself.
The 44-year-old said: "When I was writing the book, I remember thinking 'What will this bring up?', 'will it be emotional?' but actually, it was really cathartic.
"Even though I was acknowledging what was happening in my life, it was really therapeutic to write it and read it back.
"People I know and even people I don't, have read it and told me it's given them help to re-focus on themselves and re-evaluate their lives.
"People have read it and realised that they actually have been through a lot and aren't okay.
"It's been very positive in that way."
Following the release of the book, Sally has admitted to having 'proudly' discovered who she is.
She has started two businesses, life coaching and holistic therapy, and is improving her mental health through methods such as cold-water therapy.
She added: "I've realised that mental health is a unique journey for each person and I advocate for reaching out and talking’
"It's really important to know someone is there for you and to have someone listen and understand.’
"It doesn't just get better overnight, it's a long journey and though you may feel alone, you aren't, there is always somebody."
If you or someone you know needs help with mental health, you can reach The Samaritans HERE or call +44 (0)131 556 7058.
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