In November 2012 Matthew Leahy was admitted to a Mental Health Unit – The Linden Centre, Essex where he was found hanged seven days later. He was just 20 years old!
Matthew’s mother Melanie has since become aware of his low vitamin B12 levels, and probable coeliac disease. His symptoms included; psychosis, depression, insomnia, exhaustion, constipation and stomach problems.
I’m reaching out to ask you to sign Melanie’s petition; https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/255823
From Matthew’s records it appears the first sign of B12 deficiency was recorded in May 2011 at a level of 127pg/ml, reference range 180 -914. In June 2011 low B12 was recorded again.
In Matthew’s notes it states that in July 2011 his B12 level was 154pg/ml and that B12 was prescribed, however, this was not given by injection, if at all, because in August 2011 Matthew’s B12 level had dropped to 122pg/ml.
It is also clear from Matthew’s notes that his thyroid function was impacted.
You can see that below an extremely low level of 122pg/ml is recorded as ‘normal’. Matthew was heavily symptomatic for both B12 deficiency and thyroid dysfunction and despite repeated testing, correct treatment was not given.
At the time of writing the petition has 54,050 signatures.
Melanie’s aim is to have a Public Enquiry into the failings surrounding Matthew’s death in order to help stop this happening again.
Please sign by following this link; https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/255823
You only need to give your name, email address and postcode and then you must confirm the email from the Petitions Team for your signature to be counted.
The connection between poor mental health and low B12 was made over 100 years ago but too many remain untreated despite severe symptoms and low B12 levels. Please see; http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1s0ggga
If you or your loved ones are experiencing mental health problems and B12 deficiency hasn’t been explored please see; https://www.b12deficiency.info/b12-and-mental-health/ and;