Tragedy of pensioner who suffered anxiety due to effects of lockdown

A PENSIONER killed himself after suffering anxiety during the coronavirus lockdown, an inquest heard.

Graham Barnes, 74, was found dead in his home in Hall Road, Rolleston, on Thursday, May 28.

The inquest heard how Mr Barnes, a retired project analyst, suffered from a degree of anxiety.

A “major factor” of this was the ongoing lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. This was said to have had an impact on Mr Barnes’ normal activities.

Senior coroner Andrew Haigh Mr Haigh wrote: “Graham Barnes was found dead in his home on May 28, 2020.

“He had hanged himself.

“He had recently suffered a degree of anxiety, but a major factor for him was the great effect the lockdown resulting from the coronavirus outbreak had on his normal activities.”

A formal conclusion was recorded by Mr Haigh as “suicide while suffering low mood” and a medical cause of death as “hanging”.

The following organisations offer helplines and web-based support for those who need someone to talk to: ■■Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. You can also email jo@ samaritans.org or write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA. Visit www. samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

■■CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline for men who are down and who need to talk or find information and support. They’re open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.

■■Depression Alliance is a charity for people with depression. It doesn’t have a helpline, but offers a wide range of useful resources and links to other relevant information. Visit the charity’s website at depressionalliance.org.

■■The Sanctuary (0300 003 7029 ) helps people who are struggling to cope – experiencing depression, anxiety, panic attacks or in crisis. You can call them between 8pm and 6am every night.