An NHS worker who took her own life months before her 30th birthday struggled with psychosis for years after being first triggered by a podcast on artificial intelligence. Aimee-Jayne Watt was found dead at her home on Dukes Avenue, Richmond, on April 18, 2021.
The 29-year-old healthcare assistant, who had been known to local mental health services for several years, began reporting three months before her death that she was struggling to get to sleep at night. West London Coroner’s Court was told how Aimee suffered from psychosis, which may have been triggered after listening to podcasts on artificial intelligence.
Aimee’s mum described how she was ‘besides herself with grief’ at the shock of losing her daughter, who at no point indicated that she might be suicidal.
Aimee’s GP, Dr Amjad Alkaby, confirmed that the frontline NHS worker suffered from psychosis, and she was first referred to the Richmond mental health services back in 2018. He told the court that her condition was “relatively stable” until January 2021 – when she called once in January and then again in February after struggles with sleeping.
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An inquest at West London Coroner’s Court revealed how Aimee Jayne-Watt was found hanged at her home in April of last year
(Image: MyLondon)
She then asked to be referred back to a mental health team in March. She was put on a weekly review but her mum called the team just weeks later on April 19 to tell them that her daughter had died the previous day.
A report from consultant psychiatrist Dr Herbert Steiner revealed that Aimee was first referred to mental health services in South West London and at St George’s Hospital in July 2018 after a psychotic episode, which is believed to have been triggered after she listened to a podcast on artificial intelligence.
She also reported that she was eating less and was suffering from low mood. However, she had no previous known history of suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Dr Steiner also added that Aimee reported feeling “broken” and felt like she “could not be fixed”.
‘She was thoughtful and considerate to everyone she knew’
Aimee’s mum, Doris Watt, slammed the mental health team after a doctor refused to speak to her on the phone. She told the court: “When Aimee relapsed in 2020, I tried to contact the doctor who discharged her, and I was told I could not talk to anyone. I phoned and phoned and was told that no one would talk to me.
“I was at my wits’ end. Five minutes on the telephone to listen to me and hear my side of things, I wasn’t acting much. I was not invited, I grabbed the phone off my daughter to tell her doctors that I was really worried about her.
“Aimee was working, taking driving lessons and leading a good life, but she was sometimes reluctant to take the medication and had several relapses.”
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She added that in early 2021, Aimee caught Covid-19 and soon after complained about not being able to sleep. Doris added: “We then contacted the GP and she was put on a higher dose of her psychotic medication. She was suffering withdrawal symptoms, and she was becoming increasingly withdrawn with friends and family – but at no point did Aimee indicate she wanted to take her own life.
Doris continued: “She left subtle hints which only make sense now. Losing my daughter has been such a shock and I am beside myself with grief. The whole family and her friends are devastated. She was thoughtful and considerate to everyone she knew. She worked as a NHS worker, caring for the most in need.
“She carried herself with dignity but also was so gentle. Anyone who knows her knows the joy which being in her company brought. She had many friends, from all walks of life. She was a talented artist and created beautiful images. She loved nature and we often went for walks in Richmond Park and along the Thames path.
“She was a vegetarian and loved and wanted to protect animals. People say life goes on, and it probably will. The loss of my beautiful daughter has been such a blow. I will miss her every day the rest of my life and I feel bereft.”
Recording a conclusion of suicide, West London’s acting senior coroner Lydia Brown told the court Aimee had clearly took her own life in Richmond on April 18, 2021 “at a time she was relapsing with mental ill-health”. She added: “Her family were clearly there for her during her struggles and her friends, and she made no indication that she ever intended to take her own life.
“The young lady had so much to live for, and she had so much support. It is heart-breaking. Mental health is devastating for sufferers, patients and their families trying to reach in. To my surprise, it appears that Aimee was able to access mental health services, despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on services. I believe on the balance of probabilities that she did intend the consequences of those actions.”
A toxicology report revealed that there was a normal amount of prescribed medication in her system.
She also gave her condolences to the family, adding: “I hope you are able to support each other as best as you can in these difficult times.”
If you are struggling with your mental health, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit [email protected]. Alternatively, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email [email protected].
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I’m Sam, a News Reporter at MyLondon with a special interest in covering court and crime. I started in September 2021, and I’m based in Ealing. You can follow my Facebook page here.
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