WARNING: This story deals with suicide and self-harm. Please see below for help and crisis information. Sean Paul Kessels died suddenly in November.
The 26-year-old had depression, bipolar disorder and other severe mental health issues . Leading up to his death Sean was ‘pleading’ for specialist help - a secure bed in a facility where he would be safe as he sorted out his medication and mood. Money was no object; his family could afford private treatment.
However, they say there was simply nothing available for Sean. Today his mother Kelly is sharing his tragic story to highlight what she believes is a critical shortfall of mental health help in New Zealand . Kelly is haunted by the call.
The call that marked the end of her child’s life - and the end of her own life in so many ways. It was November 6, 2023, around 8pm. “He passed away on the Monday night.
On Saturday he had lunch with me, my mum and my sister. He was good, in a good mood ..
. That was a really good day,” she said. “The next day he was the complete opposite .
.. he was really bad, his cousin was with him and was really concerned for his health.
“He came over ...
he was a wreck. He said he was having hallucinations. “I was trying to get help - the crisis team, everything.
” The next day Sean was at his father’s house in Auckland. He sent Kelly, who lives in Pukekohe, a message saying “it’s worse”. “I rang and told his dad to keep an eye on him.
And then the next day I was trying to ring.
