The former partner of a Norwich chef who took his own life is calling on schools to introduce more education about drug abuse and its impact on mental health.
Katarzyna Wlasniewska spoke out after the death of 34-year-old Mariusz Karas, whose body was found in a wooded area off Gurney Road, which runs through Mousehold Heath.
Mr Karas, of Drayton Road in Mile Cross, died last year on August 7.
Speaking after an inquest into his death, Ms Wlasniewska, said: “I would like to see change to legislation about more education at schools on the impact drugs have on mental health.”
She went on to say that the government should introduce more discussions about the dangers of drug abuse and its wider ramifications.
Norfolk Coroner's Court, based at County Hall in Norwich, heard that the Polish native had been “abused and neglected” as a child.
Mr Karas began taking drugs from the age of 12, including cannabis and “harder drugs”.
He went on to train and work as a chef, before moving to England in 2009.
In court, he was described as “a really great chef who could create delicious dishes from anything”.
It also heard that he was “a very successful boxer” who won seven medals and a belt.
Evidence read out at last month’s inquest heard that his mental health began to decline from 2015.
Over the next few years, he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was admitted to Hellesdon Hospital twice.
During this time, he separated permanently from Ms Wlasniewska and had to apply to the courts for access to his son.
She added: “He believed he wouldn’t get given access to see his son.
“I believe this had a significant impact on the decision to take his own life.
"He was a victim of his own mental health.”
Summing up the evidence, area coroner Yvonne Blake added: “Professionals seemed to think that his psychosis was purely as a result of taking drugs.”
Recording a narrative conclusion, she said that “Mr Karas took his own life but there is no evidence as to his intent.”
The medical cause had been given as "ligature around the neck.”
- Do you need support? Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 by calling 116 123. Alternatively, the NHS First Response Service can be reached on 111, selecting option 2.
- To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
- To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.
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