Hosting a play that tells the moving story of a young man's mental health journey

‘Is the patient breathing?’ is a production by Brian Daniels inspired by the real story of Ross McCarthy, who took his own life in February 2021. Ross was a vibrant young man with a young family, a good full-time job, an active social life and lots of support from friends and family.

The School of Health and Leeds School of Arts hosted the production in the new Leeds School of Arts Building Theatre, which is used by performing arts students. The collaboration between Schools is an important one, as participatory and performing arts can play a major role in the prevention of ill health, the promotion of wellbeing and for stimulating public discourse. Through such activity the arts sector can and must influence policy and therefore benefit individuals and communities.

The play was followed by a plenary discussion with academic staff and Ross McCarthy’s father, Mike McCarthy.

On the panel was Valerie Fletcher, Senior Lecturer and BACP Accredited Counsellor / Psychotherapist, who said “This play highlights the need for effective mental health services, and a greater awareness by the public, particularly for mental health students, of the risk of suicide

“Data over the years have consistently shown a proportionately greater number of suicide amongst men. More awareness of risk factors and signs of significant depression will alert professionals, for instance, social isolation, mental health problems, access to lethal means, loss of a job, relatives, or relationships. However, factors often missed include the person’s ability to self-soothe, ability to regulate emotions or other deep psychological issues, including self-loathing.

“Psychotherapy and Counselling, for instance, address these issues, which may not be apparent to friends, colleagues and family.

“The provision of effective and sufficient services run by suitably qualified professionals should be available at the first point of contact and throughout.”