A tragic story has emerged from Waltham Forest, where the heartbreaking case of 18-year-old Emily Burns highlights the urgent need for improved mental health services for young people. Emily, who was remembered as being both beautiful inside and out, took her own life on May 9, 2023, shortly after expressing concerns about her mental health treatment and medication to her mother.
Emily had been under the care of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) provided by the North East London NHS Foundation Trust, having been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, and anorexia. Despite this, her care and treatment appeared to falter significantly, culminating in her tragic death.
The situation began to deteriorate when Emily turned 18, leading to her transfer to adult mental health care without the necessary oversight from senior medical professionals. The day of her discharge from CAMHS, she took an overdose and was admitted to the hospital, highlighting glaring flaws in the transition process from child to adult mental health services.
Throughout her treatment, Emily had made repeated requests for therapy reviews and medication adjustments. On the morning of her death, she hugged her mum and disclosed her belief to her mother, stating, "I think my medication isn't working; I think it needs to be increased." This simple yet alarming statement was tragically followed by her death just four days after receiving what many later condemned to be inadequate care.
Coroner Nadia Persaud investigated the circumstances surrounding Emily's death and noted the lack of proper safety planning during her discharge from CAMHS. Emily's transition from adolescent to adult mental health services was deemed poorly managed, with insufficient diagnostic evaluations performed by the home treatment team.
Emily’s family has been outspoken following the coroner’s findings. Her parents, Renata and Quinton, expressed deep frustration and despair over the mental health system's failures. They stated, "We tried everything we could to get her the care she deserved but she tragically took her own life," emphasizing the devastating impact this loss has had on their family.
The legal representation for Emily’s family, Charlotte Stawiska from Irwin Mitchell, stated, “This is incredibly tragic and sadly reflects the situation of many vulnerable young people who do not receive the mental health care they need.” Stawiska stressed the importance of learning from Emily’s case to prevent future generations from facing similar tragedies.
The inquiry shed light on numerous failures within the mental health care system for young people. Emily had previously received treatment for her mental health challenges, which included referrals to psychotherapy and the introduction of antidepressants. Unfortunately, many of these treatments were inadequately executed and, at times, impeded by lengthy delays.
Days after being discharged from CAMHS, Emily’s family sought to have her mental health assessed again. Unfortunately, the appointment she received was from a therapist who lacked proper qualifications, raising additional concerns about the oversight provided throughout her care. Just four days after this assessment, Emily's life was tragically cut short.
The story of Emily Burns is not just one of personal tragedy; it also raises broader questions about the effectiveness and comprehensiveness of mental health care services available to adolescents. The failure to protect Emily serves as a cautionary tale for other families struggling with similar issues.
Support organizations exist for those grappling with mental health difficulties. For anyone needing someone to talk to, there are resources available, including the Samaritans, who offer support 24/7 at 116 123; Childline, which provides services for younger children at 0800 1111; and other organizations focused on mental health support. These resources provide avenues for individuals to seek help, reflecting the growing awareness and recognition of mental health issues.
Emily was not just defined by her struggles. She was talented, with dreams of becoming a costume designer for theater and film. Her passion for music, art, and nature was evident, and her family described her as someone full of potential. With such dreams unfulfilled, the heartache left behind serves to remind us of the necessity for systemic changes to mental health care.
After the coroner's ruling and family statements, the response from mental health professionals and local trust officials is seen as being of utmost importance. A spokesperson for the North East London NHS Foundation Trust offered condolences to Emily’s family and expressed commitment to take the necessary actions to prevent similar incidents from occurring and make improvements to patient safety frameworks.
This heartbreaking case shines light on the pressing need for mental health systems to adequately support young individuals facing overwhelming emotional and psychological challenges. An entire community is left grappling with the loss of Emily, questioning how such negligence could take place and urging reforms for future generations.
Emily’s story is one of many, but her family's call to action aims to instigate change—it is hoped this case will raise awareness and prompt action to improve the quality of mental health services available to young people. The hope is not just for fewer tragedies but for more supportive and responsive mental health systems capable of guiding other vulnerable young people toward brighter futures.