A TEENAGER took his own life just a month after he first saw sought treatment for anxiety and depression, an inquest has heard.

Health experts did not deem Haiden Meare, 19, a suicide risk before his death at the family home in Osborne Road, Bridgwater.

But he ended his life shortly after being told he would have to wait 42 weeks for one-to-one cognitive behavioural therapy with a mental health practitioner.

Haiden's mother, Teri Meare, told the hearing her son, a talented artist who did well at school and had a passion for motorbikes, appeared "normal" on July 5 last year, the day before he died.

The close family enjoyed a barbeque and watched television together, when Haiden was "normal, laughing, messing about".

His father, Paul, who employed him in the family landscape business, woke him at 8am the following morning, when Haiden said "he didn't feel great", so stayed in bed.

Mr Meare found his son's body when he returned home at 11.20am, and efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.

Bridgwater Mercury:

Mrs Meare told the inquest: "It's like Haiden had an impulsive mad moment."

Earlier the inquest was read a statement from Haiden's GP, Dr Mark Howell, who said he saw the teenager in early June and put him on medication for "anxiety and some negative thoughts" and that he feared "losing control or hurting someone in his family or friends.

"He said he was scared by some of his thoughts, but denied any thoughts of harming himself," added Dr Howell.

Haiden also complained of poor memory after coming off his bike and panic attacks.

He later received a screening call from the Somerset Partnership mental health team and was contacted again on the morning of his death, when he was told of the delay in receiving 'talking therapies' help.

After he told the therapist he had "deteriorated since the first contact", she said she would call back later with details of further advice and support.

But when she tried contacting him at around 11am there was no response.

The therapist had felt he was not at immediate risk of harming himself.

Somerset Partnership has created a five-point action plan in the wake of the tragedy, including reviewing the provision of talking therapies.

Senior Somerset Coroner Tony Williams recorded a conclusion of suicide, with the cause of death suspension by the neck with a ligature.

There is support at hand for people who feel they need it.

The Samaritans of Taunton and Somerset can be contacted on 01823-288998 (local charges apply) or on the free national number 116123 (free), e-mail jo@samaritans.org or visit the branch at 16 Wood Street, Taunton, between 9am and 9pm.

Alternatively contact Somerset CRUSE bereavement on 01458-898211 or e-mail somerset@cruse.org.uk