Under the Fig Tree shares your personal story of loss and helps others cope with and prevent suicide. Why was this an important book for you to write?

The book was important to write for several reasons. Firstly, the book was written to give Anna’s art a voice. Many people, who find sharing their feelings challenging, describe their inner self by mediums such as art, writing, music and other creative avenues.

Although Anna has shown fashion designs and illustrations via BBC world service and fashion houses, her graphite work, which speaks of her emotional turmoil, is yet to be exhibited – but can now be seen in this book as an introduction into the complexities of her troubled inner world.

What is one piece of advice that has helped you the most after losing your daughter?

One piece of advice that helped me was to find an outlet for my grief was by speaking with others who had lost a child to suicide. Being alone with your grief is dangerous. You must interact with others and realise you are now part of a bigger picture.

What is a common misconception you feel people have about suicide?

A common misconception  – three words – blame shame and Stigma (BSS).

These perilous internal messages that are prevalent in suicide.

You are not to blame. There is nothing shameful about your loved one taking their life.

The Stigma needs to be erased globally.

What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?

I hope the reader will take away the above and find meaningful ways of coping via communication whether they are suicidal thoughts or post suicide survival.

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