Warning: This article discusses suicide.
The mother of a 21-year-old who killed himself while on holiday in New Zealand claims doctors told him they'd prescribe him antidepressants when he got back.
England-born Alex Drummond-Selby died in the toilet of a hostel in Westport on June 19. He'd arrived in the country just four days earlier for a three-week holiday with friends before he was due to start a new job as a trainee chef.
Just hours before his death he texted a friend that he could "never go through this torture again".
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Mr Drummond-Selby suffered a mental breakdown in March in which he experienced suicidal thoughts. In June his concerned friends called paramedics who visited his workplace and provided him with a letter to give to his GP, but he never passed it on.
When he visited his GP just six days before leaving for New Zealand, he was allegedly promised a prescription for mild anti-depressants when he returned to the UK.
His heartbroken mother Clare believes her son would still be alive if doctors had taken his depression seriously.
"He had everything to look forward to," she told Caters.
"But in March, when he had his initial breakdown, I asked him what was going on. He said he'd been in the pits of despair but was really uncomfortable talking about it. Following that, I told him he needed to go to a doctor.
"Alex hid his real level of depression from us and doctors, but the doctor should have given him the pills before he went away. If the visit by paramedics had been on the system than that would have made the doctor declare him unfit to travel."
She says even if her son concealed the depths of his illness from his GP, paramedics should have passed on information about his mental health.
"The system failed my son. I'm not blaming individuals here, but I have to question a system that requires the patient to hand in his own notes to the doctor and to advise them of his mental problems."
Mr Drummond-Selby's inquest has been opened and adjourned at Coroners Court.
A spokesperson for the Cambrian Medical Practice where he saw his GP declined to comment, saying the clinic cannot discuss the individual cases of any patients.
A spokesperson for the West Midlands Ambulance Service which treated Mr Drummond-Selby in June said they were greatly saddened to hear of his death, saying he was found to be "fit and well physically" when paramedics saw him.
"He had the capacity to sign his patient record to say that he did not wish any further treatment, but was advised to see his GP and was given paperwork to that effect which he fully understood."
They said that until two years ago it was not possible to send GPs a copy of their patients' paperwork. A new electronic system now sends paperwork automatically when and if patients provide sufficient information, although it's up to the individual's if it's sent to their GP.
"Unfortunately, on this occasion the crew weren't able to gain sufficient information for the record to be sent to Alex's GP," the spokesperson said.
They said the next system upgrade later in 2018 will make it easier for paramedics to send copies of patient records to GPs.
NZ Police was unable to comment as the matter has been referred to the Coroner.
Mrs Drummond-Selby says her son's death has had a terrible impact on her family. Travel and funeral costs have left her £10,000 (NZ$19,000) in debt and she now suffers from bad anxiety.
"I wouldn't wish this experience on anyone else ever," she told Caters. "For me, the word I use is broken. Knowing your child has died in this way and wanted to die makes you feel like a complete and utter failure."
She says she wishes she could have known how much her son was suffering so that she could help him get the help he needed.
"Mental health among men is still a taboo subject. It's a huge, huge problem and it's being shoved under the carpet.
"I want people to talk and open their eyes. It could be your son or daughter. The signs aren't obvious so it's important to talk."
Where to find help and support:
- Need to Talk? - Call or text 1737
- Lifeline - 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline - 0800 376 633, text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans - 0800 726 666
- Depression Helpline - 0800 111 757
- Suicide Crisis Helpline - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
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