Finding into death of GAMcM

45y · Male·Hanging

A 45-year-old man with depression died by hanging after experiencing significant workplace stress. He had consulted his GP in October 2014 regarding grief over his mother's terminal illness and was prescribed sleeping tablets. He was diagnosed with depression in March 2015, started on sertraline, and improved. After stopping sertraline around June 2016, he separated from his wife in November 2015. In May 2017, he presented with low mood, refusing antidepressants initially. Following a performance management process at work in July 2017—triggered by concerns about his motivation and performance—he became distressed and restarted sertraline on 21 July. On 19 July, he learned he faced performance management, no bonus, and possible dismissal. He died by hanging on 31 July 2017. Clinical lessons include: recognising depression recurrence risk in vulnerable patients who cease antidepressants; identifying workplace stress as a significant suicide risk factor; and ensuring employer awareness of employees' mental health conditions during performance management processes.