Hollyoaks has created a series of five short films to demonstrate the impact the soap has had on its real life viewers – including one whose life was saved from suicide in Hollyoaks IRL, Stopping my Suicide.
Mental health awareness activist John Junior, 32, is from Wilmslow, Cheshire, and travels up and down the country campaigning for better mental health services.
By chance, they switched Hollyoaks on in 2020 during the episode where Kyle Kelly tragically takes his own life during his depression battle.
At the time, John Junior was also planning to take their own life after battling depression since they were just 11 years old.
Seeing this and the following heartbreak as Kyle’s fiancee Nancy (Jessica Fox) and his best friend Darren Osbourne (Ashley Taylor Dawson) struggled to come to terms with his death, made John Junior realise they could not go through with it.
(Image: LIME PICTURES)
“I didn’t want to die, it sounds confusing, but I didn’t want to die, I just wanted the feeling to go,” said John Junior.
John Junior was born with Klinefelter syndrome, meaning they have an extra X chromosome from birth.
“I wanted gender reassignment, because I wasn’t happy in my body, and for years I’ve lived in limbo, not knowing if I am male or female,” they explained.
“I came to the conclusion that I am gender fluid, nonbinary, and I feel great knowing I have some closure as to what my gender is.”
(Image: LIME PICTURES)
John Junior’s depression worsened in lockdown, with their routine thrown into a spin.
“I felt trapped, suffocated, like i was in a tiny box, and I didn’t want to burden anyone by telling them how I felt,” they said.
“The only way I could see out was to take my own life.”
They watched the episode where the police officer arrives at Nancy’s door, as Darren tells her the devastating news and she screams and sobs with grief, insisting they must have made a mistake.
(Image: Channel 4)
(Image: Channel 4)
“I am so thankful I watched it, because it saved my life,” said John Junior.
“My mum finding me, thinking about it now, I couldn’t do that to her, she had already lost my dad three years ago suddenly.”
John Junior met with Ashley Taylor Dawson, who plays Darren, and both were emotional as they rewatched the episode together, discussing the impact it had on John Junior.
“I’ve come back round to reality, I’ve grounded myself,” they said.
(Image: Channel 4)
For anyone else struggling, John Junior recommends writing down how you feel, speaking to friends, family or The Samaritans, and listening and reaching out to anyone you are concerned about.
Ashley told John Junior: “Carry on making a difference, carry on looking out for other people and looking out for yourself.”
Speaking about how their life has been transformed in the last year, John Junior said: “I feel better in myseIf, I feel like a new person, I feel absolutely incredible.
“Like I’ve had a second chance in life and a second chance to help other people.
“You are not alone, don’t ever think you’re a burden. I know in that depressive state we think the world doesn’t want to hear our problems, but let me tell you something, people do want to hear from you, and I want to hear from you,” they concluded.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or visit their site to find your local branch.
* Hollyoaks IRL, Stopping my Suicide will go live on Hollyoaks’ social media platforms tonight at 5pm
Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/hollyoaks-viewer-saved-suicide-after-24333964