A MAN who killed himself with a massive drug overdose at his York home had visited an internet suicide chat room, an inquest was told.

Lee Andrew Marks, 29, of Theresa Close, Huntington, was socially isolated, said York consultant psychiatrist Susan Shaw.

He used the internet to communicate with other people and had become a member of a suicide chat room.

York Coroner Donald Coverdale said Mr Marks took medication which was usually prescribed for malaria and epilepsy, as well as an anaesthetic drug, and the anti-malarial drug overdose had been “extremely high”.

Recording a verdict of suicide, he said Mr Marks, who suffered from anxiety and agoraphobia and had a history of alcohol excess, had left a note referring to an intention to end his own life and had previously taken an overdose of paracetamol.

He said health professionals had looked after his mental health as best as they could, but it would probably have been illegal to deprive him of his liberty.

The coroner said Mr Marks may have been dead in his flat for some weeks before a neighbour raised the alarm and his body was discovered.

Dr Shaw said Mr Marks had been referred to an anxiety management group and had been very keen to go to it, but had then declined to attend the first meeting.

A spokesman for the Samaritans told The Press that the internet could be a place to find friendship and like-minded people to chat to, but sometimes it could also be harmful, as had been seen in this tragic suicide.

“A distressed person can meet another person online and, instead of finding help and support, the person could end up being encouraged to do something they might not have otherwise done,” the spokesman said.

“It is very important for people to talk about their problems with friends, family, a GP or a helpline like Samaritans. Talking to the right person can help a person to find relief from their troubles and hope for the future.

“We urge anyone in distress to contact us 24/7 for confidential, non-judgmental support by phone on 08457 90 90 90, email at jo@samaritans.org or to visit a Samaritans local branch. See samaritans.org for details.”