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Youngest Son's Suicide: A Mother's Warning
12 Jun
Summary
- A mother shares her son's tragic suicide to warn others.
- Suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50 in Northern Ireland.
- Despite suicide training, no signs were apparent before the tragedy.
Oisin Johnston, the youngest of four, died by suicide in September 2025, an event his mother, Denise, described as a 'bolt from the blue.' Denise, an SDLP councillor for Mid Ulster District Council, stresses that no indicators preceded her son's death, highlighting that in such moments, individuals may not be thinking rationally. She asserts that suicide is never the solution and that support could have helped Oisin through his struggles.
Northern Ireland faces a significant crisis, with suicide being the leading cause of death for men under 50. Denise's attendance at suicide prevention training days before her son's death revealed that even experts might miss subtle signs. She is now dedicated to speaking out, aiming to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage parents to discuss these issues proactively with their children, regardless of perceived warning signs.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend, with 290 suicides recorded in Northern Ireland in 2024, an increase from previous years. The Mid Ulster Council area has seen a rise from 12 suicides in 2015 to 21 in 2024. Mental health experts emphasize that suicidal thoughts can be common, temporary, and not always linked to mental illness, urging individuals to seek help.
Concerns have been raised about funding for mental health strategies, despite the Department of Health investing approximately £12 million annually in suicide prevention. A cross-party inquiry is examining funding and prevention strategies. Denise Johnston advocates for making suicide prevention a government priority, demanding adequate funding for the Mental Health Strategy as part of her life's mission to prevent further such tragedies.
