The family of a young woman who tragically died by suicide say their loss has “ripped them to bits”.

Paula Ennis, of Mirehouse, Whitehaven, tragically took her own life in 2014 at the age of 34. Five years on, her family is still coming to terms with her death.

Her sister Wendy believes suicide is a major problem in West Cumbria. “There’s just so many young people taking their lives. There’s people crying out for help all over. They just don’t get it.

“It’s hard to get into the doctors, never mind the crisis team.”

She said Paula’s death was a “massive shock” to the family. “It’s absolutely ripped us to bits. She never showed problems. We thought of her as this strong person. She was fantastic. She had a heart of gold and helped anybody. She was lovely and bubbly.”

RELATED: Club owner's mental health plea

RELATED: Mental health charity helping tackle Cumbria's high suicide rate

RELATED: Demand for support is increasing in West Cumbria, says suicide charity

Town councillor Carl Walmsley, who is Paula’s cousin, said suicide is an issue that has been “swept under the rug” for many years. “Mental health services and their staff are brilliant but services are so over stretched many people are being failed by the system and some are sadly going on to end their life.”

He said his family is still coming to terms with the sudden loss of Paula.

“Nobody will ever fully be the same again especially those closest to her. We really must do everything we can to shatter the ‘stigma’ of mental health and suicide. We should be educating children from a young age so they are prepared for some of life’s struggles.”