Lessons can be learned from tragic suicide of young mum in Milton Keynes
A review into the sad suicide of a mother-of-three has explored how local services could have helped her with her mental health troubles.
The woman, who is identifed only as Adult J, was in her thirties and a loving mother to her children, states a recently-published report from MK Together Safeguarding Partnership.
The review looks at what happened in the months before her death in 2024 and how different services tried to help her.
It states: “Adult J had struggled with her mental health for many years. She had conditions that included depression and bipolar disorder and sometimes felt very low.
"She had support from her GP and mental health services, but she didn’t always feel comfortable with the help offered.
"She also had a lot of stress after her marriage ended, and she learned that her ex-husband had started a new relationship. Ten days before her death, she disclosed she might harm herself and emergency services were called. The police and ambulance came, and her GP spoke to her. They tried very hard to help and offered to take her to hospital, but she said no.
"Sadly, ten days later, Adult J died by suicide.”
The review found that many people tried to help Adult J and there was some “very good work”.
However, there were some criticisms, including the fact that sometimes services didn’t share information well or work together as much as they
could have.
There were also missed chances to think about the whole family and involve them more.
It was further noted that Adult J didn’t like having to see different professionals each time and having to repeat her story
The review recommends in future that there should be Better teamwork and communication between services, more focus on the whole family, including children, when a parent is struggling, and clearer plans for mental health crises, including when someone says they don’t want help but may be at serious risk. There should also be more consisitency so people do not have to keep re-telling their story.
The reviewers asked Children’s Services to check how the children are coping and make sure they have the right support. It thanked Adult J’s mother and her friend for their support
“This review was carried out to learn lessons and help prevent tragedies like this in the future,” it states.
A spokesperson for MK Together Safeguarding Partnership said: “The review highlights the complexity of depression and bipolar disorder and identifies opportunities to strengthen how colleagues across police, health and social care work together to support individuals and their families.
While progress has already been made since 2024, the Safeguarding Partners will continue to support and challenge agencies to deliver the highest standards of safeguarding for adults in Milton Keynes.”
If you or someone you know is going through a hard time or having thoughts of suicide, please know that help is available right now. You can call the Samaritans for free any time at 116 123 or call NHS safety services by dialing 111.