A ‘generous, kind and funny’ man who took his own life was bullied at work, an inquest has heard. John Holden, 30, died on the A30 near his home in Illogan early in the morning of September 1 last year.
An inquest into John’s death heard how he had a long history of mental health issues including depression, anxiety and psychosis. He had taken overdoses and self-harm before and was involved with Cornwall Mental Health Services, having some periods of stability.
He was released from mental health services in May 2019 but continued to see his GP about his mental health. In May 2021, John was said to show no thoughts of self-harm or suicide. A cause of death was given as multiple injuries, reports Cornwall Live.
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John’s sister, Chanie, also testified. She described how they were only 13 months apart and “still close”.
His statement describes John’s mental health issues which worsened when he turned 18, suffering from severe bouts of depression and anxiety, leading him to self-medicate with legal highs which resulted in psychosis.
She said: “Lately work has been depressing him. He came regularly to say that he was mistreated. He was victimized and bullied on a daily basis, but felt compelled to stay by his managers as they said they stood by him when he needed time off. I heard conversations with his managers and they were just awful.
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Chanie then gave a heartbreaking account of how, the night before he died, John seemed to be in a stable mood and ordered takeout. She shouted thanking him for the crisps and said goodnight as she retired to her room. The next morning, she remembers being woken up by the police to tell them what had happened. Chanie said he found notes indicating how John felt trapped by work and by managers who didn’t care about him.
DC Rebekah Shorten told the inquest there was no evidence of third party involvement. On the contrary, there was clear evidence John intended to kill himself, including a post on social media.
She said: “John was a troubled man who struggled at work feeling victimized and bullied. On September 1, it became too much for him.
John Holden, 30, died on the A30 near his home in Illogan in the early morning of September 1 last year (Image: Chanie Holden)
Concluding the inquest, Cornwall Supervising Coroner Andrew Cox said it was far more likely than not that John intended to commit suicide and that notes recovered after his death “indicate despair, depression and anxiety”.
Mr. Cox recorded a conclusion of suicide and conveyed his condolences to John’s family and friends.
Speaking to CornwallLive shortly after her brother’s death last year, Chanie said: ‘We have always been a close family, John and I were like twins growing up. We were only 13 months apart.
There are many different places to get help online, including online chats, text help, phone calls, and even apps with games to help you manage your feelings.
If you need help or just want to know what’s available to you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of a number of services.
Below are some of the helplines and websites that can help you.
24/7 NHS Mental Health Response Line: For help and advice. Call for free any time of day or night if you’re worried about your mental health or someone else’s. The team behind the 24/7 toll-free helpline will listen to you and determine the best way to help you. t: 0800 038 5300 (free) 24 hours a day
Samaritans: emotional support for anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. t: 116 123 24 hours a day e: jo@samaritans.org
Outlook South West offers online support and NHS talk therapies – call 01208 871905 for people aged 16 and over. The Suicide Liaison Service is also available through this number. This is also an NHS funded service, but for adults aged 18 and over who have been bereaved by suicide.
Childline: Free, private and confidential service for anyone under 19 where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, anytime. t: 0800 1111 email or chat via www.childline.org.uk
Shout: 24/7 texting service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone in crisis, anytime, anywhere. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and need immediate help. Text: 85258
CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably: For men who are depressed or in need of talking, find information and support. t: 0800 58 58 58 5pm – midnight daily or webchat on www.thecalmzone.net
Call 0300 777 4777 or visit https://saferfutures.org.uk/ if you or anyone else is affected by domestic violence, sexual violence and those who show abusive behaviour.
Papyrus Hopeline UK: For people under 35 with suicidal thoughts, or anyone concerned that a young person may be thinking about suicide. tel: 0800 068 4141 email: pat@papyrus-uk.org
“The outpouring of grief since his death has been overwhelming. So many people have adored John and it’s amazing how many lives he touched. I want people to know more about who he was as a person.
“He was always there for me, for everyone. He was so generous, kind and funny. If you ever needed him, he was immediately there to give you whatever he had.
“He touched the lives of so many people, and those who really knew him adored him. He suffered from depression and anxiety for most of his life. He seemed to be doing better in recent months and he seemed happy the eve of his death.
“He bought me takeaways, told me a few jokes and that was it, my darling brother is now gone.
“Please hold the ones you love close to you, please tell them how much you love them. I’m lucky I told her I loved her before I went to bed that night. I’m devastated and feel completely lost. My brother, my best friend is gone and my life will never be the same again.
John loved music, he loved science and reading books on everything from world history to science fiction epics.
Chanie added: “He had a thirst for knowledge and was constantly inquiring about anything that caught his interest. He loved to make people laugh, if you were upset he would have you laughing within minutes, as it hurt him to see others suffer.
“He loved bees, the beauty of nature and he loved cats. He was a son, a brother, a nephew, a best friend and the kind of person the world is now poorer to lose.
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Source: www.somersetlive.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-13 09:16:23
