‘Stigma surrounds mental health but help is out there’
The mother of a teenager who took his own life has urged others not to suffer alone in the hope she can prevent further tragedies.
Keaton Burton died in June 2019 after leaving a ward wherehewasbeingtreatedfor his mental health difficulties.
His mum Jessica Talbot was praised at his inquest last week for her devotion to helpingthe19-year-oldthroughhis problems.
Today, she has voiced her concerns others could be suffering alone, especially as the lockdown continues.
Keaton’sfamilyandfriends have been helped by If U Care Share, with Jessica thanking loved ones who continue to keep in touch.
It is hoped an entertainment night can be held after the pandemic to raise funds for the charity and Sunderland Mind, while Jessica has also been helped by SunderlandGrievingParents’Group.
"I think there’s a lot of young people don’t ask for help from their friends and familyabouthowtheyarefeeling,” she said.
"There’s a lot of stigma around mental health, but there is help out there and charities who can provide that help.
"They should find a friend or someone to have a talk to and I think this has only been compounded by the situation weareinwiththecoronavirus – I think things are only going to get worse.”
Sheexpresseddisappointment stronger concerns were not raised about his care at
the inquest and hopes Cumbria, Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust will carry out the improvements to communication with families it promised at the hearing.
Jessica has described how Keaton, a former Castletown Primary and Castle View Enterprise Academy student, hadapassionforcarsandconsideredtakingamusiccourse, having found a talent for rap lyrics and a love of dance music.
He planned to travel and
was also a devoted big brother to Charlotte Purvis, nine.
Jessica said: “He was really popular and had a good group of friends and he was always fun.
"He would always make others laugh and he was really kind.
"He’s a miss as a big brother and it’s been quite hard for Charlotte to understand and to explain it to her.
"Healwayswantedayoungersiblingandnowhewon’tsee hergrowup,butshehasreally helped me through.”