'Perfect' daughter died after struggling with lockdown and break-up with boyfriend

Katy Goodwin, aged 25, of Sheffield, was found dead at her friend's house on Southgrove Road in Broomhall on December 6 last year. At an inquest into her death at Sheffield Coroners’ Court, the court heard how Katy had sought help for mental health difficulties in the weeks before she died.

A recent break-up with her long term boyfriend had left her living alone for the first time in her life during last year’s extended coronavirus lockdown.

Mixed anxiety and depressive disorder

Katy had sought help from the mental health services and was prescribed antidepressants but found these difficult to cope with. Katy had also attended A&E for her mood in late November, having called the crisis team for further help.

She was due to attend another mental health appointment at the time she died.

A psychiatrist determined that Katy had been suffering from mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.

Katy’s parents, who were both present in court, said her independence meant she hid things from them and as a result they had no idea that her problems had gotten so bad.

‘She was the perfect daughter’

Katy’s dad, Steven, said: “We were proud as owt of her. She was the perfect daughter.

“She had so many good friends who are all devastated. It is just a tragic loss for us.”

Her mum, Joanne, added: “You would never have thought she would have done this. She had everything to live for.

“I just wish someone could have told us. She didn’t want to die.”

‘Expression of distress’

Assistant coroner Katy Dickinson decided not to record a conclusion suicide due to the particular circumstances of Katy’s death.

She said the lack of a note, the fact that Katy had sought help on numerous previous occasions and was with someone at the time she died meant a conclusion of misadventure was more appropriate.

These factors led her to believe that her actions may have been an ‘expression of distress’ rather than something done with the intention of ending her life, she added.

Samaritans is a charity aims at providing support for people struggling with their mental health. There are a number of ways you can get in touch with them for free.

You can phone the Samaritans at any time, day or night, using the number 116 123. Alternatively, you can reach out via email ([email protected]) or even write them a letter if you wish. You should address your letter to “Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS”.

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