Ruth Langsford says sister's tragic death left her with questions that can't be answered
The This Morning presenter's sister Julia tragically killed herself in June 2019 after a long battle with mental health issues
Video Loading
Click to play
Tap to play
The video will start in 8Cancel
Ruth Langsford says her sister's tragic death has left her and her loved ones with questions they'll never find the answers too.
The This Morning presenter's sister Julia tragically killed herself in June 2019, after a long battle with mental health issues.
More than a year on from the tragedy, 60-year-old Ruth is still struggling to come to terms with the loss.
However, she said she's learned that it's okay to cry when she needs to.
Speaking to Prima magazine, she said: "It still feels like yesterday that I lost my sister. When you lose somebody, it’s just horrible.
"But when someone takes their own life, it leaves you with so many questions that can’t be answered.
"It was tragic and difficult for all of us, but my sister wanted me to live a happy life.
"I’m lucky that I have a loving husband and a good family, and all I can do is live a happy life in her memory."
Following her sister’s death, Ruth temporarily stepped back from presenting duties as a host on This Morning and on lunchtime programme Loose Women.
She said: "You can’t spend your whole life crying. I’ve done a lot of crying over my sister.
"It’s not even a sense of saying, 'Pull yourself together and get back to work', it’s just that you have to get on with your life and you can’t get on with it if you’re crying all day.
"I’ve learned now that I can have those moments, sometimes, I have a good old cry in the shower and feel better for it.
"I think it’s good to have a loud, snotty cry."
Ruth, who was supported through the tragedy by her husband Eamonn Holmes, encouraged women struggling with balancing their work and home lives to take time to recuperate.
She said: "I love work, but I like to have time off. I like to see my girlfriends, spend time with (her son) Jack, do some exercise and cook.
"Like many other women, I am spinning those plates and trying to fit things in.
"Sometimes, you prioritise the right things, at other times, you don’t.
"It’s good to have a little housekeeping check every now and then, and reflect on what’s out of balance.
"I think we need to take a breath and a step back sometimes, and remember that the family, house and everything else is not going to fall apart because you want to do something.
If you are affected by this story there are many people who would be happy to talk to you:
Samaritans
If you need to talk and don't know where to turn to, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit the website to find your local branch.
SANEline
If you or somebody you know is experiencing a mental health problem, SANEline's helpline is open between 4.30pm and 10.30pm every day on 0300 304 7000.
Mind
The mental health charity Mind has resources aimed at helping you cope with and plan for a crisis. Visit their website for details on helplines, how to access crisis services and what to do if you're unable to get help yourself.
- In an emergency, dial 999 for urgent help
"We have to move ourselves up the to-do list."
Read the full interview in Prima’s October issue, on sale September 4.
MirrorCeleb