Devastated mum tells how son, 15, ‘took his own life’ during coronavirus lockdown ‘after feeling isolated from world’
A HEARTBROKEN mum of a teenage boy believed to have taken his own life has said he felt “isolated from the world” during the coronavirus lockdown.
Talented kickboxer Kian Southway, 15, told his mum he wanted to "fast forward it all" when social distancing rules were brought in.
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Just five days later Kian, from Rhondda, South Wales, was found dead - leaving behind his devastated family.
Mum Jolene Southway, 40, is now urging parents to speak to their children during the coronavirus crisis.
She said: "It was so unexpected, I think we are still in shock. We're numb.
"We need people to know Kian wasn't suffering from mental health issues, he wasn't depressed.
"We need people to know how quickly this happens. I think he literally felt isolated from the world due to this Covid-19.
"Kian loved life. Boris Johnson announced lockdown on the Monday and he was gone by Friday.
We need people to know how quickly this happens. I think he literally felt isolated from the world due to this Covid-19.
Kian's heartbroken mum
“The gremlin took hold, he kept saying he couldn't wait for it to be over and that he wanted to fast forward it all."
Tragic Kian, who was a black belt in kickboxing, died on March 31.
Jolene added: "Kian was very sociable. He did have an air of shyness but he was very polite.
“He thought of everybody and anybody and he loved being out and about. He was just amazing.
"He was an immense, incredible big brother to Darcey, he had her back all the time.
"We didn't expect this at all. We constantly talk and we encourage the kids to talk, we don't hide anything.
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, , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together,
- Mind, , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus,, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, , 116 123
"Kian knew it's okay not to be okay and he didn't talk. We will never know why."
Jolene and husband Julian, 46, now wants other teenagers to know it's "okay not to be okay."
Jolene said: "When Kian died, I rang as many parents as I could. People think they can see it coming, they think it comes in patterns.
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"We are a family you don't expect this to happen to. Kian had the best life. It destroys people, families, it destroys everything."
His friends and rugby club Penygraig Rugby Club U16s also recorded a video paying tribute to Kian.
A team spokesman said: "It's been a hard week for many this week, hearing the sad passing of Kian Southway, a much loved young man by many."
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems the Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123, or visit Mind’s website.