Teen who became 'obsessed' with lockdown takes her own life
The family of a teenager who killed herself during the coronavirus pandemic say the lockdown played a part in her death.
Bethany Palmer, 17, from Sale, Greater Manchester, died two weeks ago.
Due to current restrictions in the UK, only family could attend her funeral at Altrincham Crematorium.
Instead, mourners stood outside their homes in Sale last Thursday, as the funeral cortege passed.
Beth's family were not aware she had been struggling with her mental health but said she had expressed her sadness about not being able to see her friends and go to college.
Her dad Mike Palmer told ITV's Granada Reports he had no doubt the lockdown had played a major part in her death.
“She couldn't finish college, she couldn't go out and see her friends,” he said.
“She felt as though this three-month lockdown was to her 300 years.
“This three-month lockdown I think became an extreme, almost obsessive obsession, that it was never going to end.”
Mental health challenges during lockdown
Bethany’s mother Helen, along with Mr Palmer said they wanted to prevent other families from suffering a similar tragedy and warned other young people may also be vulnerable at the moment due to the pandemic.
Bethany’s family have shared a fundraising page that has already received over $19,000 in donations for a trust they are setting up in her memory.
The money will fund mental health first aid for young people in colleges and schools.
"Beth lived her life to the max and it was always full of fun, laughter, family, friends, mischief, dance, the occasional drink, music, a bit of fake tan and singing,” the online tribute reads.
"Beth's life was all about love, fun and music and we want this to be her legacy.
"Beth, we love you more than anything in the world."
Bethany was a talented singer and musician who often performed live at the Brooklands Tap pub and also attended dance classes at Cadmans Dance Centre.
Mental health resources for Australians
It is estimated that one in five Australians already battle mental illness, and it’s feared that number will increase due to tough physical distancing restrictions, large job losses and the need for self-isolation caused by the coronavirus lockdown.
Australian agencies like Beyond Blue have set up resources to help people with their mental health amid the pandemic.
Australian in need are urged to join the online forums and browse the Beyond Blue website to find a number of helpful guides whatever the situation. There is also a dedicated hotline for people to call and speak to a trained counsellor on 1800 512 348.
More time spent at home and a lack of social and physical connection can be mentally challenging. Head to https://t.co/4uPiNTshpo for a range of measures you can put in place to support your mental health and wellbeing through the COVID-19 pandemic.
— Beyond Blue (@beyondblue) April 20, 2020
Lifeline is continuing its telephone, text and webchat services throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Lifeline has also put together a list of ways you can manage your wellbeing during the pandemic - including strategies on how to cope with social distancing, self-isolation and quarantine and a toolkit for parents about how to talk to children about the pandemic.
Some UK restrictions to remain until next year
Britain is now in week five of the lockdown, which only allows people to leave home for the essentials, work, food shopping, exercise and limited other reasons.
The total deaths related to COVID-19 in the UK have surpassed 18,000.
On Thursday, the government said full restrictions will remain in place for at least another three weeks.
However, chief medical adviser, Chris Whitty said normal life won’t resume until there is a vaccine or treatment for the virus.
"Until we have those - and the probability of having those any time in the next calendar year are incredibly small, and I think we should be realistic about that - we're going to have to rely on other social measures," he said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing a call for an inquiry into his government's handling of the coronavirus crisis after failing to fully explain partial death data, limited testing or the lack of equipment for hospitals.
Johnson initially refrained from approving the stringent controls that other European leaders imposed but he later closed down the country when projections showed a quarter of a million people could die in the United Kingdom.
Since the lockdown, though, the government has given conflicting explanations of why it failed to join a European Union ventilator scheme and admitted there have been problems getting health workers enough protective equipment.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
with Yahoo UK, with Reuters
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