Librarian suffering from seasonal affective disorder took his own life

Librarian, 25, took his own life while suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), inquest hears

• Hamish Ratley, 25, passed away at his home in Monkton Combe near Bath
• He suffered with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter months
• For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details

A librarian took his own life while suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), an inquest heard.

Hamish Ratley, 25, passed away at his home in Monkton Combe near Bath, on October 4, 2022. He had moved there five years ago to study English Literature at Bath Spa University before landing his ‘dream job’ as a librarian.

An inquest into his death was held at Avon Coroners Court in Flax Bourton (Thursday, January 19). The inquest heard how the young man had been taking anti-depressant medication for the last three years.

Assistant Coroner Dr Simon Fox read evidence from the emergency services, medical professionals, and Hamish’s family, before reaching his conclusion.

Hamish Ratley, 25, (pictured) took his own life while suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), an inquest heard

In a witness statement, Hamish’s mother Louise said she had received a ‘concerning’ text message from him on the morning of Tuesday, October 4. 

She tried calling and texting him but, after receiving no reply, she rang the police and Hamish’s girlfriend.

PC Dominic Anders from Avon and Somerset Police was on duty that morning and attended Hamish’s home at 9.12am. 

When he arrived, he found Hamish’s girlfriend in an ’emotional’ state after she had found him in an unresponsive condition.  PC Anders attempted CPR while they waited for an ambulance to arrive.

A post-mortem examination by Dr Kathryn Urankar confirmed hanging to be the cause of death.

An inquest into his death was held at Avon Coroners Court in Flax Bourton on Thursday, January 19

Louise Ratley described her son as ‘kind, caring and intelligent’. At the time of his death, he had just passed his probation review as a librarian with ‘flying colours’, she said.

‘Hamish had a lovely girlfriend and he was just about to exchange contracts on a flat in Bath. 

‘He still kept in touch with his school friends from Devon and said he had made friends for life at university, with whom he was in regular contact.

‘He had an amazing group of work colleagues, enjoyed going to the gym and ate healthily.’

Mrs Ratley added that Hamish suffered from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter months, but that he was aware of this and had ‘strategies’ to combat it, like exercising outdoors and seeing his family and friends.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? 

Commonly known as SAD, the disoder is a depression that’s linked to the seasons, and is most common in winter.  

Howver, a few people will experience it more intensely in summer and feel better in winter.  

 As well as a persistent low mood and feelings of tiredness, despair and guilty, people may find themselves craving carbohydrates and gaining weight.

As well as talking therapies and anti-depressants, some peopl may benefit from light therapy with a  special lamp used to simulate exposure to sunlight.

Source: NHS 

SAD is sometimes known as ‘winter depression’ because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. 

Symptoms can include a persistent low mood, a loss of pleasure or interest in normal everyday activities, irritability, feelings of despair, and feeling lethargic and sleepy during the day.

The inquest also heard from a GP at Oldfield Surgery, where Hamish was a patient. Dr Claire Quiggin said in a statement that Hamish had asked to restart a prescription of the anti-depressant drug citalopram, which he continued until his death.

‘We are very sorry to hear of his sudden death and extend our condolences to his family,’ Dr Quiggin added.

The coroner Dr Fox noted that Hamish’s family had questioned why he had been allowed to continue taking medication for three years without a review.

In a follow-up statement, Dr Quiggin responded that the usual practice was to review annually to check the patient’s symptoms and discuss any concerns. She said that Hamish was twice asked to attend a review, but he did not arrange one.

She added that he was on a low dose of citalopram, 10mg, and that there was no evidence to suggest he was over-ordering it or had stopped taking his medication. However, if he had suddenly ceased taking the drug, it would have worsened his depression.

Mrs Ratley said Hamish was in regular contact with his family in the days leading up to his death. ‘From Friday, September 30 until Monday, October 3, we had normal conversations. He talked about his SAD affecting him, but he seemed in good spirits,’ she said.

In a statement to Somerset Live, Mrs Ratley said: ‘He had a kind and gentle demeanour and a passion for Gothic literature and academia. He had a wonderful network of friends and work colleagues and was working in the library at the University of Bath which he loved.

‘To us, it brings home the importance of talking about mental health and checking in on those around you, even if on the face of it they seem to have their life totally in order. 

‘As someone said to us recently, ‘the world is a poorer place without him’. He is sadly missed by all who knew him.’

The coroner Dr Fox recorded a verdict of suicide and expressed his condolences to the family.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details

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