‘Beautiful and charming’ teenager, 19, killed herself as she couldn’t face coronavirus isolation
A "BEAUTIFUL" teen who feared being isolated with coronavirus tragically died after attempting to take her own life.
Tributes have now been paid to “funny and charming” Emily Owen, 19, who died in hospital after a suicide attempt.
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The young waitress was said to have been unable to cope “with her world closing in, plans being cancelled and being stuck inside”.
Her devastated family tonight demanded more awareness and support for people struggling with mental health issues during the deadly virus pandemic.
Emily, from Kings Lynn, Norfolk, had warned loved ones days before the tragedy: “More people will die from suicide during this than the virus itself”.
Her family said the teen was concerned about coronavirus and the “mental health impacts of isolation”.
Caring Emily died in hospital on Sunday after being found critically ill on Wednesday, March 18.
Her family suspect the “fear of the unknown” may have driven her over the edge.
She had been planning on volunteering to help others struggling to cope.
Sister Annabel Owen, 21, said in a tribute, posted online: “Emily was very concerned about coronavirus itself but more concerned about the mental health impact of isolation and the fear of the unknown.”
Emily, who was described by her family as ‘talented and a little bit crazy’, signed up to be an organ donor aged 12. Three children will benefit from her gift of life.
Annabel added in the Facebook tribute: “We are all absolutely devastated but also immensely proud of everything she achieved in her life.
“So many people have messaged us saying how Emily helped them through hard times of their own, and we had no idea how much positive impact she had on those around her.
“To many people Emily was a really fun, energetic, happy girl, but only a few were aware of the many years of internal battles she had.
“Few people are aware but four years ago she was diagnosed with high-functioning autism and had a daily battle to fit in and conform to social norms.
“She didn’t want anyone to know, but now she has gone we want to make people know that autism comes in all shapes and sizes.”
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society - from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others... You're Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123
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An online fundraising page has raised more than £2,400 in Emily’s memory.
The Kings Arms pub in Shouldham, Norfolk, where Emily worked, posted a tribute on its Facebook page.
It read: "We are heartbroken that we won’t see her breeze through our doors like a tornado of energy again, or hear her distinctive laugh.
"She was a big part of our team and we will miss her enormously."
■ To donate in Emily’s memory, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Emilyo