A teen, from Whitchurch, South Bristol, has sadly died after taking unprescribed pharmaceutical drugs to try and help combat his mental health issues.
The loved ones of Dillon Edwards, 17, have urged teenagers to seek help and try not to self-medicate to combat their demons.
Dillon was a rugby player, boxer and powerlifter, but he sadly suffered from mental health issues for several years and died in March this year.
He started suffering from mental health problems after his dad passed away when Dillon was 10 years old.
He started really suffering when he was 16 years old after he started hearing voices in his head.
A post mortem found he'd been suffering from breathing difficulties caused by taking a combination of pharmaceutical drugs which his family say he found on the street.
Dr Andrew Bamber said Dillon had a combination of pharmaceuticals in his system, which had depressed his breathing and led to a viral respiratory tract infection.
Area coroner Dr Peter Harrowing recorded a short narrative conclusion, stating that there was no evidence that Dillon intended to take his own life.
He concluded: "Dillon died of the toxic effects of drugs on the background of a viral respiratory tract infection."
During the hearing at Avon Coroner's Court Dillon's mum Hannah Templar, aged 36, described her son as her "best friend" and said he was "very special".
Dillon's family want to use his experience to send a message to other young people about the importance of asking for help.
The statement from mum and stepdad says: "We as a family wanted to share a message following Dillon's death, concerning ongoing issues with mental health.
"Our message to all young people thinking of using unprescribed pharmaceutical drugs to counteract symptoms of mental health - DON'T.
"Please do not try and manage mental health alone by using any drug to counteract the symptoms you are experiencing.
"Dillon did this, and it did not work. It had a devastating effect on his recovery and ultimately led to his death."
They added, "Just know that there is always someone that cares.
"Get support from your GP and all relevant services. There are lots of support groups on the Internet offering support.
"Remember there is life after being diagnosed with a mental health problem, and that you need to be willing to make sacrifices to recover."
For the latest news in and around Bristol, check back on Bristol Live's homepage.
