This Morning fans in tears as parents of show regular Matty Lock who tragically took his own life aged 19 reveal heartbreaking impact of his death
On April 17, 2025, the parents of Matthew Lock, a beloved regular on the ITV show “This Morning,” shared their deeply emotional story about the lasting impact of his tragic death. Matthew, known for his infectious enthusiasm and gadget expertise, took his own life at just 19 years old on September 8, 2023, in Merseyside. His death has underscored the vital necessity of addressing mental health issues, particularly among young people.
Matthew’s Battle with ADHD and Autism
During the poignant episode, his parents Richard and Christine opened up about Matthew’s struggles, particularly the challenges posed by his ADHD and autism diagnoses. Matthew was diagnosed with autism at age 14, but his ADHD symptoms remained unnoticed until he reached 19. His parents highlighted the critical overlap between the two conditions, stressing how often the symptoms can co-occur and complicate each other, leading to severe mental health consequences.
Richard elaborated on the difficulties that Matthew faced daily, including significant issues with focus, organization, and emotional regulation. He pointed out that many children with autism also face undiagnosed ADHD, which can lead to struggles that go unaddressed, especially in educational settings. The parents called for heightened awareness among healthcare professionals, educators, and families, stressing that identifying these overlapping diagnoses early can drastically improve the support systems available for individuals facing these challenges.
The Impact of Addiction on Mental Health
In addition to discussing Matthew’s mental health challenges, Richard and Christine touched upon another critical issue: the relationship between ADHD, autism, and addiction. Richard shared that many individuals with these neurodevelopmental disorders often turn to various coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, to manage their emotional pain and difficulties.
The parents revealed their belief that addiction can be a common struggle for those affected by ADHD and autism. Richard explained that many young individuals, like Matthew, might resort to self-medication as a way to cope with the stress and emotional turmoil they experience. He emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to mental health care that includes extensive support systems for those struggling with addiction, as well as prevention and intervention programs tailored for neurodiverse individuals.
Viewer Reactions and the Call for Awareness
Following the heartbreaking segment, viewers took to social media to express their sorrow for Matthew’s story and commend his parents’ courage in bringing such important issues to light. Many shared their own experiences with mental health challenges, highlighting the need for better resources and support for young individuals, especially those with overlapping ADHD and autism diagnoses. The collective outpouring of sympathy and solidarity only amplified the call for increased awareness and advocacy surrounding mental health—for the sake of individuals like Matthew who deserve recognition and support in their struggles.
The episode concluded with a powerful message urging viewers who may be experiencing similar challenges to seek help. Richard and Christine emphasized the importance of access to mental health resources, noting that reaching out can be the first step toward healing. Their story serves not only as a reminder of the fragility of life but also as a rallying cry for better support systems for youth facing mental health challenges and neurodiverse disorders.
As the discussion continues, it is crucial for society to take action, spread awareness, and foster an environment where individuals struggling with mental health issues feel supported and understood. To anyone watching, if you or someone you know is in need of help, please reach out to qualified mental health professionals and support networks available in your community.
