‘Depressed’ husband found hanged — (The Star)

A HUSBAND who suffered depression because his business was struggling in the economic downturn hanged himself, a coroner has ruled. John Philips, aged 55, was found hanged by a rope in his home in Dobcroft Road, Millhouses, Sheffield on June 19 last year.  He was discovered by his wife, Marie, just after 7 pm. The inquest heard how Mr Philip had been seeing psychiatrist Robert Verity for three months before his death.   Dr Verity told the inquest at Sheffield’s Medico Legal Centre that he had met with Mr Philips six times to discuss his depression. He added that Mr Philips, whose two daughters are at university, was worried about the future of his business which was suffering in the recession.  Dr Verity said that he had prescribed Mr Philips the anti-depressant drug fluoxetine to help him sleep, and that Mr Philips had told him he had no thoughts about ending his own life. “His protective factors were his family, friends and his love for life,” said Dr Verity. “I know Mrs Philips was concerned about her husband’s health but there were no express fears about suicide.” Coroner Siobhan Kelly ruled that Mr Philips took his own life by hanging, having over ingested the drug fluoxetine. Ms Kelly said: “I express my condolences to the family for their sad loss.”