Stephen’s family backs our campaign
The sister of tragic 19-year-old Stephen Mearns has wholeheartedly backed the Wishaw Press Time to Talk campaign.
Marianne Mearns joined other voices in the community by saying not enough is being done to raise awareness of mental health among young people and, in particular, young men.
“I will support your campaign. I will back anything that will save other lives and help make a difference,” pledged Marianne.
“This is needed, definitely needed. Kids are being let down.”
Mourners turned out in their hundreds for Stephen’s funeral on Thursday.
Nearly three weeks on from Stephen’s death at his mum’s home in Claire Street, Newmains, says Marianne, there are still no signs that he hadn’t been coping.
“People have said things like ‘you don’t know what’s going on behind a smile’. But it’s not just people who are depressed. It is people who are happy and have a lot going for them. It is not always people who appear to be struggling,” said Marianne, 27.
“Everything in Stephen’s life was going great. He was saving up to buy the business and he had a great group of friends and a girlfriend. Every one of these boys I have heard of has had a lot of ambition and not been involved in a bad crowd. They’ve all had decent lives.”
Her brother had, she revealed, been worried about their dad, Patrick, who has leukemia and was in hospital with pneumonia when Stephen passed away. Patrick is now home and recovering but there is a new mental and emotional burden on him and the family.
“Stephen was convinced that his dad would not get better. We were all worried, but nobody ever thinks someone would do that,” explained Marianne, who said Stephen left a message saying that he loved his family and friends and, although he knew it was selfish, it was something he had to do.
Student nurse Marianne, who battled hard to try to save her brother through cpr, has been in contact with the families of the other teenagers who, like Stephen, tragically saw no way out and took their own lives. Talking has brought Marianne and the grieving relatives of the other lost boys some comfort.
“This cannot go on,” continued Marianne, who was deeply saddened to learn of another young man’s death this week – the sixth in less than two months.
“It seems to be spiraling. If Stephen’s name and Stephen’s story, and those of the other boys can make a difference, I am happy to be involved in helping in any way I can.”