Legal News

A consultant physician at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust is warning that using alcohol while depressed may push some mental health patients into considering ending their life.

Dr James Bell of the Maudsley Trust’s addiction services told the London Evening Standard newspaper that it would be “erroneous” to think that depression “causes people to drink”.

“It’s much more the other way round,” he said.

Dr Bell was speaking after the announcement that US actor and comedian Robin Williams had taken his own life. Mr Williams suffered from depression and had also had alcohol and drug addiction problems. It is reported he had recently checked into a rehab centre to “fine tune” his alcohol rehab therapy, but was found hanged at his California home on Monday (11/08/14).

Dr Bell said:

“The classic person who commits suicide is a middle-aged man who is drinking heavily and who hangs himself or shoots himself while intoxicated.

“People who come forward for treatment do so because they’re in trouble. They’ve lost control of their drinking and they’re depressed.”

The news of Mr Williams’ death has sparked calls for more understanding of the link between depression and alcohol use.

The Evening Standard reports that Sam Challis of the mental health charity MIND says that when a high-profile death occurs, it is a chance to start a conversation.

Mr Challis suggests that people can empathise with the person who has taken their own life and might say, “I understand how he might have felt, because that is how I feel sometimes”.

“It’s probably a wonderful way to start that conversation,” Mr Challis added.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a specialist firm of Legal Aid mental health solicitors and can advise mental health patients free of charge on their rights under mental health law, including access to mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.

In some cases, Duncan Lewis may also be able to advise the Nearest Relative (NR) or carer of a mental health patient, including legal advice on initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.

For expert legal help with mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.