The family of a 27-year-old man who took his own life say they feel inspired to ensure no one else feels the pain they have had to endure.
Marking World Suicide Prevention Day, the family of Lee Welsh say they are determined to promote the need for better mental health care.
Talented musician Lee died on August 8 this year.
While his parents, Phil and Lesley, and sister Kirsty are understandably devastated by their loss, the West End family have decided to do all in their power to help anyone battling internal demons.
The family have launched fundraisers and a website, ‘Not In Vain, For Lee’, and spoke to The Courier about the importance of encouraging as many people as possible to ‘speak out’.
Lee’s dad Phil said: “If we can prevent one family from experiencing this then we are doing something right, because it’s absolutely horrendous.
“Mental health has still got that stigma attached.
“If you cut your finger, you can physically see it, put a bandage on it and treat it.
“But because it’s in here (points at head), it’s all hidden.
“I used to say with Lee that it was Robin Williams syndrome, this front was there, happiness and joking with his pals. But inside was a dark place, that’s quite scary when you think about it.
“It must be horrendous to project to the world that you’re fine, but inside you feel crap.
“Talk to somebody, whether it’s your friend, your professor, your girlfriend or boyfriend, speak to somebody.”
Phil continued: “If I could say anything I would just like to thank anyone who has offered us words, cards, money, just anything in general.
“It’s been unbelievable.”
Lee’s sister Kirsty has taken to making yellow suicide awareness ribbons to promote the need for an open attitude towards mental health.
Lesley, Lee’s mum, still believes many people, men in particular, are afraid to speak out about their problems.
She said: “I think some people are embarrassed that they are going to get tagged.
“It definitely is a macho thing with the guys, they won’t want to show any kind of weakness.
“There were a handful of Lee’s friends who knew, but not everybody knew.
“There needs to be some place apart from NHS 24 where people can go.”
For more on Lee’s story and to read about the Welsh family’s efforts visit www.notinvainforlee.co.uk/.
