Mum of bullied Morecambe teenager who took her own life speaks out

Thursday, 26 May 2022 13:53

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

The mum of a Morecambe schoolgirl who took her own life has given an interview to raise awareness of how bullying can affect teenagers' mental health.

Ann Waterhouse said she wanted to tell her daughter Sian's story in the hope that it would save other lives.

Sian was suffering with depression after experiencing online and text message bullying, when she took her own life in February 2018, aged 16.

"She was getting nasty messages, mainly from people out of school," said Ann.

"I came home from work one day and she was sat crying, she had her iPad, and this girl was threatening to come round and beat her up.

"People should think what they put online and on a text message, before they send it."

After Sian died, Ann said she received a message from one girl, apologising for how she'd treated her daughter.

"I got that many messages I ignored most of them. I was quite angry about it. I didn't respond. Now I think, at least she did apologise."

Ann Waterhouse was talking to local entertainer Stuart Michaels on his podcast The Lancashire Lad during Mental Health Awareness Month (below).

You can watch the full interview here:

Ann said Sian was "a very kind, happy girl".

"She was very caring, really good as a child, never any bother, she'd help anybody. She didn't have much confidence. She was very sensitive.

"You never get over it, I think about her every day but she'd want me to carry on, so I'll do that for her."

Ann also had a message for parents who may be worried about the mental health of their children.

"I would just say talk to them, sit with them, try and get them counselling, never give up."

In 2019, Sian's story was featured on the award-winning BBC documentary 'Odd One Out' hosted by Little Mix star Jesy Nelson.

The fundraising campaign 'Shine for Sian' was also set up in her memory to raise awareness of mental health in children.

Ann said: "Stuart approached me about doing a podcast, so I agreed to do this, to help raise awareness and help families and children suffering as our family has.

"If doing this will help one child, then talking about Sian's illness is all worthwhile."

Stuart Michaels said: "Depression and suicide is a very sad topic, that is on the rise in the UK.

"What is heartbreaking is the rate of teenage suicide is also rising at an alarming rate and it’s something that we all should be aware of and supporting people who might demonstrate traits of feeling badly low.

"It’s without doubt the toughest interview I have ever done but I sincerely hope it helps get the word out there more, about taking care of each more and talking about our problems without feeling there is no other way out."

The interview was filmed at The Consult Centre in Morecambe.