MUM’S PLEA AFTER SUICIDE TRAGEDY Don’t suffer in silence
Family to help others in name of musician
THE family of a young musician who took his own life are calling on others who are struggling to seek help.
Garon Dalton, 22, died at home in Hamilton this month after years of mental health issues.
His heartbroken family described him as “talented, kind, polite” and muchloved young man.
Recently the guitar and piano player admitted he had been struggling with suicidal thoughts. He was laid to rest on Saturday.
Mum Lynne said: “From the age of 16 we noticed changes in Garon’s personality – too withdrawn, too quiet, sometimes for no apparent reason, but sometimes because he had personal heartaches.
“Not getting into the Royal Conservatoire of Music was extremely hard on him, but he dusted himself off and got a place at Motherwell College, where he got his HNC and then HND in Music.”
Garon had recently spoken to community mental health services.
But classroom assistant Lynne said: “A few days later I found my own beautiful boy dead.”
She added: “We have made it our mission to try to prevent the suicide of others. It is heartbreaking, devastating, and lifechanging for loved ones.
“Our son was so talented and his death seems such a waste. We can only use his name to help others.” ●You can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org
IN A pre-lockdown world, many experienced FOMO – fear of missing out on social events.
Now many of us are experiencing FOLL – fear of leaving lockdown.
Despite the relief that restrictions may soon ease, many people are feeling anxious about leaving the safety of their homes and heading back into the post-pandemic world.
FOLL is a reality for many Scots with a survey revealing that 77 per cent wouldn’t feel comfortable in a pub or bar.
The research by air sterilisation company So Pure Air also reveals only 12 per cent of people would feel completely at ease taking public transport when lockdown is lifted.
And 57 per cent admitted they wouldn’t be happy spending time in a friend’s house, with 70 per cent saying Covid-19 has changed their behaviour forever.
The research conducted this month among 2000 UK adults, found 19 per cent of people in Scotland fear returning to “normal life” unless robust public health measures are introduced.
The poll also showed that 45 per cent are reticent about returning to their office.
Meanwhile, only 20 per cent said they would be happy to go to a theatre or cinema, and 24 per cent to a museum or art gallery.
Two thirds said they would not feel comfortable returning to high-street shops and supermarkets. We spoke to three psychologists about the FOLL phenomenon and the steps you can take to alleviate your fears when navigating the post-lockdown “new normal”.
Dr Fiona Wilson, clinical psychologist and clinical director of The Edinburgh Practice
“After a long winter and another lockdown period, many of us will be delighted to hear the latest plans for current restrictions to ease. However, it is important to recognise that for some people, this will be an anxious period of re-emergence.
“Similar to the end of the last lockdown, some people will be apprehensive about returning to their daily commute to work, or returning to busy places and for the most vulnerable in society, anxiety will remain high until they have been fully vaccinated.
“It will be an adjustment period for us all and it’s important that we support those who are finding it more challenging than others.”
Development psychologist Professor Kevin Durkin from Strathclyde University
“Uncertainty breeds anxiety as does mixed messages and warnings from the health authorities and government. Many people are robust and can deal with change but there are some who will be severely affected by the easing of restrictions. “No one should feel bad about having these anxieties. It is only natural, especially for people who have been following the rules constantly and have been adhering to social distancing.
“Simple things like commuting to work and socialising indoors will be a huge change from our current normal and will take everyone time to get used to.
“We need to take it one step at a time. Life won’t go back to the way it was in 2019 overnight and we should be prepared to ease ourselves back into it both physically and emotionally.
“We all need to look out for each other and support those who are struggling and need reassurance that the way they are feeling is normal. If you are feeling anxious in any way you need to talk about it with friends, family or professionals.
“We are all in this together and need to help each other through.”
Professor Stella Chan, psychologist at the School of Psychology & Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading of Reading
“Lockdown and looking ahead to the easing of restrictions affects everyone differently. Some people can’t wait to go out and are looking forward to it but others will be more concerned. “More vulnerable people in particular, perhaps those with health problems, are likely to be most worried. We shouldn’t forget the health risk will still be there even with vaccinations and there are still questions over the new variant. We should all still be vigilant.
“To cope with anxiety, you need a sense of control so have a plan, know what you are doing when you do go out.
Think about other coping strategies. Some people use relaxation while others can relax through breathing techniques.
“Make sure you have people you can turn to when you need them. Be kind to yourself and, when you suffer a setback, don’t beat yourself up.
“You are not the only one who will be feeling that way so put it into perspective.
“Lockdown is unusual. We need to recover.”