Brave parents Mandy and Colin Le Bachelet want to warn other Emo followers after the death of their teenage son Jean-Pierre. (Picture by John O’Neill, 0610218)
THE heartbroken parents of Emo teenager Jean-Pierre Le Bachelet, who took his own life last month, are today urging others not to copy his actions.
In a frank and exclusive interview with the Guernsey Press, Mandy and Colin Le Bachelet are sharing the story of their son’s short life in full for the first time to help reach other young people in the island who may be having similar dark thoughts.
They are urging not only other troubled teenagers who share his Emo beliefs but all teenagers not to see a copycat solution as the only way out.
The 14-year-old former Grammar School pupil, known as J-P to his family and friends, apparently committed suicide at Rousse Tower earlier this month.
‘We know J-P’s story has touched so many young people. It is wonderful that so many care, but it also worries us in some ways.
‘We could not bear for any others to think that they should do the same, as has happened following similar deaths in the UK.’
Despite being a much-loved part of a strong family unit, J-P, who suffered depression for a year before his death, lived in a world dominated by website forums and Emo culture – a group that expresses itself through poetry.
Its members are often shy, introverted, highly emotional and sensitive.
A common escape route is through self-harm, which J-P chose in the months leading up to his death, eventually making the ultimate statement.
Fighting back tears, Mandy and Colin explained: ‘We hope this interview will stop any other young people in Guernsey from seeing despair as their only option.’
More than 400 people attended a celebration of J-P’s life at Vale Castle on Saturday 5 July.
Many teenagers were among them. ‘Parents may think they know what their child is feeling, but things are different for this generation.
‘They hide a lot or cover it up. It’s nothing like when we were young. They have so much more pressure than we did.
‘You just don’t know any more what might be going through their young, impressionable minds at any time. It could be happening now.
‘I would say to all young people, please don’t take advice from a computer screen.
‘Talk to your friends and enjoy your lives to the full: that is the best way to honour J-P.’
Article posted on 28th July, 2008 - 2.30pm
8 Article Comments
Is this language “Emo” suitable or necessary what happened to English ..what an example and crass use of language..
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Royal – you are showing your age. I agree that we must do all to preserve correct english useage, but in this case “Emo” is a term to describe a certain way of life that some young children appear to follow.
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I am and was quite aware of what the term meant …thanks..
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No problem mate – any time you want a lesson you can find me “into Creasey’s eh!”
Perhaps we could get onto the more serious subject of child suicide and the devastating effects this has on the family and the wider family, especially on an island such as Guernsey – which as you are probably aware, has a high rate of depression in all ages.
If the family of this poor kid can take the time to highlight the dangers of any possible copycat behaviour, then we should all be aware of it.
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Hear Hear Expat
This family has been through the possibly the worst scenario that life can throw at you – that is losing your child. Its not part of lifes cycle to see your children die – its so very very sad and my heart goes out to J-P’s parents and family.
So maybe Royal, lets leave the nitpicking about the rights and wrongs of the English language to another time ???
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I can’t believe someone read this article and the only thing that moved them to comment was the use of the word ‘emo’.
J-P was an incredibaly bright and talented boy who will be missed and remembered.
What this story should have evoked was a consideration to how a situation such as this can be avoided and how people who think and feel in similar ways to J-P can find the support they need.
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Well said Guernseystone!
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I’ve heard disgusting comments about this, and other people with mental disorders, from all walks of life. There is no education here, no compassion, no understanding. The professionals and auxillaries do their best, but a complete lack of political focus sidelines a very serious strand of healthcare.
There is no doubt that with the proper training, those that knew the lad may have intervened with a well placed advice or just a comfortable shoulder.
There is no doubt that those suffering from deep personal loathing are hiding it from their loved ones in shame of the supposed stigma attached to ‘being ill’.
I’ve lost count of the times when I’ve discussed the issues with colleagues and acquaintances who believe that depression, and any chemical imbalances in the brain, are ’selfish and delusional nonsense’.
I applaud this family in coming out and trying to express the completely bewildering concept of self-harm.
The ‘emo’ tag has nothing to do with anything. The fact that he was an able, bright guy should remind us that without communication and kindness, there may be no hope.
But then Guernsey is like that. Close the curtains, count your stash.
We need to grow up.
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