The partner of a young dad who took his own life is urging others who are struggling to reach out for help before it is too late.
Lee Foylan, passed away two weeks ago, leaving his family heartbroken and shocked by the tragic loss.
The 29-year-old, from Drumchapel but lived in Clydebank, had been an ex-army veteran and was struggling with his mental health.
The dad-of-one reportedly didn’t want to seek support because of the stigma surrounding men speaking out about their worries, according to his devastated partner Chelsea Bourouina.
The 27-year-old paid tribute to Lee who “always wanted to make people laugh and help others".
She is now focusing on raising their four-year-old son, Reece, and is begging others who are suffering to get help to stop “any other family going through this pain".
Speaking to the Glasgow Times, she said: “You just had to have Lee in your life to cheer you up, even until the end he was this way.
“Lee always wanted to make people laugh, he always wanted to help others, and would even offer to take out people's bins and take their dogs for walks.
“He was a veteran from the army. I think there is still a huge stigma around men and mental health issues.
“The only one we ever found was Men Matter but he didn’t want to come across ‘unmanly’ and attend it for help.
“This is because there is still so much stigma on men reaching out for help. I just want to express how much these charities that are out there don't make anyone less of a man for attending and seeking help.
“I don’t want any other family going through this pain. I wish it was more common for men to speak out rather than keeping their feelings in. Talking saves lives.”
More than 75% of people taking their own lives in Scotland were male in 2021, according to figures published by Public Health Scotland.
The report also highlighted the link between deprivation and suicide - with rates being over three times higher in the most deprived areas compared to the least deprived areas.
Men Matter Scotland spoke to the Glasgow Times about how they have seen a surge in people needing help since the cost-of-living crisis hit.
Based in Drumchapel, the charity went from helping three men in 2020 to now helping around 1600 men.
Fraser Devine, a team leader at Men Matter Scotland, said: "A lot of guys don’t think it is manly to come talk to us, but that isn’t true.
“Lee was a young dad and it is a tragic loss. I don’t think he opened up to his pals about how bad things got.
“Everything here is all confidential and we want to help everyone, there’s no judgement and it is a safe space.
“It is okay to talk and reach out to others, it will never make you less of a man.
“Ask your friends if they are okay, and even if they say yes ask again, are they really okay?
“You can message us on social media or just walk into our centre and chap the door, someone will be there to listen and give you a tour.
“The cost-of-living crisis has seen a lot more guys come through the door, and we suspect things will get worse.
“It is good that people are seeking help but so sad that it is needed. People are struggling to heat their homes and provide food.”
Men Matters Scotland offers counselling, trauma therapy, peer-to-peer support, art sessions, and bike clubs for those who need help.
You can reach out by contacting them on Facebook or call 0141 944 7900.
You can also email contact@menmatterscotland.org or drop by the centre at 20 Drumchapel Rd, Glasgow, G15 6QE.
A spokesperson from veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress said: “Every veteran suicide is an absolute tragedy, and our thoughts and condolences are with Lee’s family and friends.
“We know that a small but significant number of veterans develop mental health problems including anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, and it’s vital that these veterans can access the care they need as quickly as possible, to prevent their problems becoming more complex and severe.
“Combat Stress provides bespoke specialist treatment proven to work for veterans with trauma-related mental health problems. We urge veterans and their families to call our 24-hour helpline 0800 138 1619 for confidential advice and support.”
Additional support:
Samaritans: Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org.
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