Portsmouth health chief 'saddened' by suicide of self-isolating man - and says social lockdown is creating 'additional stresses'

It comes after Crookhorn resident Daniel Furniss, 34, took his own life two weeks ago after spiralling into despair while being isolated living in his home alone amid the national crisis.

The bipolar depression sufferer, who was also diabetic, had to abide by strict social isolation guidelines from the government, which his family said ‘pushed him over the edge’.

A reported, Dan, who was classed as a high-risk person due to his diabetes, was unable to see anyone amid the clampdown.

Now Innes Richens, chief of Health and Care Portsmouth, Portsmouth City Council and NHS Portsmouth Clinical Commissioning Group, said: ‘We're saddened by this tragic loss of life, our thoughts and sympathies are with their family and friends at this difficult time.

‘We recognise that this is an extremely anxious time for many people. The constantly changing situation we're all facing during this pandemic and the restrictions in place during the lockdown can create additional anxieties, fears and stresses for many people.’

He added: ‘There's lots of advice and information around wellbeing and mental health during the coronavirus crisis.

‘All our services for people suffering with mental health and anxiety are in place and there to support anyone who needs it.

‘I would encourage everyone, now more than ever, to look out for each other's mental wellbeing as well as our physical wellbeing, and I strongly urge anyone who is struggling to cope to get in touch and seek help.’

His younger sister Chelsea, 28, previously told The News: ‘Dan had a long history of mental health issues and one of the things he struggled with was being on his own.

‘He lived on his own but would go out every day. Dan had diabetes and was classed as a high risk person so after lockdown he was unable to go out which we think pushed him over the edge.

‘We were concerned about him being in isolation and stayed in touch but were not able to see him. We tried our best and let him know we were there for him.’

The tragic death has led to calls for people to look after each other whilst those struggling are also being reminded that help is out there.

For support or advice see portsmouth.gov.uk and search for coronavirus advice.

Visit The Hive website hiveportsmouth.org.uk/covid-19 or call the helpline on (023) 9261 6709 for more information.

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