Teenage folk singer hanged herself after battling depression

A TALENTED teenage folk singer hanged herself following a battle with depression.

Lydia Berry, 15, who was described as an “intense child”, had been known to self-harm and suffered from low mood and poor self-esteem, an inquest heard yesterday.

The Holmfirth High School pupil was referred to mental health services at 13 and was prescribed antidepressants and sleeping tablets, before being treated as an inpatient at the Fairhaven young people’s unit in Warrington, Cheshire.

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Lydia was on a phased return to school when she hanged herself at home in Scholes, Holmfirth, on January 11.

Her mother Paula, father Adrian and sister Alex, then 18, had left to go to work and school before 9am.

Mrs Berry, who said they tried to make life as normal as possible for Lydia and did not want her to think they were “crowding” her, phoned her at 11am but could not reach her.

Worried, she rushed home where she found Lydia hanging.

Mrs Berry cut her down and gave her CPR until an ambulance arrived to take her to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

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She was admitted to intensive care where it was found she had suffered brain damage and had little hope of recovery. Treatment was withdrawn and she died on January 16.

Lydia, who sang in Holmfirth folk band Lana and the Lion, left no note and mental health workers said she seemed to be getting better before her death.

Recording an open verdict, acting coroner Paul Marks said there was insufficient evidence to record a verdict of suicide.

Mr Marks extended his condolences to Lydia’s family, who did not attend the hearing at Bradford Coroner’s Court.

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