It is always heartbreaking when a young life is lost. 24-year-old Rebecca McLellan, a paramedic, died by suicide. A note she left was read at the inquest later.
Keep reading to learn more.
Earlier this week, an inquest into the death of a paramedic from Ipswich, Rebecca McLellan, began at the Suffolk Coroners’ Court. She was found dead in her home in November 2023 after she failed to show up at work at the East of England Ambulance Service, and her colleagues became concerned. It was concluded that McLellan likely died by suicide.
Her mother described her to the press as a “loving person,” “sensitive,” “kind,” and “fiercely loyal.” Known for standing up for other people.
She had always wanted to be a paramedic; however, after she achieved her goal and began working at a job that involved helping others, she still struggled with her mental health. Things got more complicated when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Her mother revealed that in the last year before she took her own life, she had become “a shadow of herself.” During the inquest, it was revealed in evidence that McLellan’s mental health had not been the best. She had gotten 18 sessions with psychotherapist, Darren Monsigneur, through her employment at the ambulance service.
Monsigneur described McLellan as a “high risk” of suicide. He offered to continue her therapy with him ‘pro bono,’ but she did not accept the offer. She also went to psychiatrist Dr. Kavitha Devarajan for four sessions and they concluded their last meeting in September 2023.
In her handwritten statement, she expressed her frustration with the mental health system. She wrote about her dissatisfaction with the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT). She wrote about how her repeated attempts to get in touch were not successful.
A video of the late McLellan was also played at the inquest at NSFT’s clinic in Ipswich, where she was asking to speak with a mental health practitioner. She was informed by the receptionist that no one was available and that she would call security if McLellan did not leave the premises.
In a letter written by McLellan, she expressed the hopelessness she felt, saying, “People can survive pretty much everything as long as they can see an end in sight. Unfortunately for me, I cannot. All I can do is wait for the inevitable fall again.”
She went on, “I miss the person I used to be. Unfortunately, that girl is long gone. I’ve been running this race for a little too long, and now my legs are tired.”
She ended her letter by writing, “I know there are those out there who love me, and to those people I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you all tremendously. Please know that I tried. I really did.”
More details were revealed as the inquest continued on McLellan’s life and struggles.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org anytime in the US and Canada. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7.
This is such a heartbreaking event. We hope in the future events like these can be avoided by help being given to those in need of it.
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