Hi peeps, hope you like the video. This one was very difficult to produce given the subject matter, but we felt it was an important story to tell. We will not be accepting the revenue generated from this episode, but will instead make a donation to the suicide prevention charities linked in the description. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for these uploads! The artwork and narration is MINT! Not sure if you’ve done it, but I’d suggest you do an episode on Elisa lamb, and the movie dark water that eerily corresponded to the details of her strange death
You guys are great, the narration is perfect and the artwork fits the the tone perfectly. Feels like Im watching a TV show. Im not sure if you've done one on this yet, but could you do a video on Area 51 or the Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, NV? I live near both of them, and they are perfect locations for your channel.
I live in Bridgend, I knew people who committed suicide during this period. There are lots of theories as explained in the video. I haven't seen many videos/articles who emphasise the role media had to play and I congratulate the makers of the video for this. I was corned in an alley by journalists asking if I knew anyone who died and if I was part of a 'suicide pact' it was horrible. Escorted to and from busses at school because of the world media around the school gates. It was not a good time. Every new school week waiting to hear if anyone else had ended their lives. I take my hat off to the schools, police, etc during this time. The support and outreach was more available and visable than I thought imaginable just unfortunately not everyone said yes and asked for help. It's left a stain on our community and still has ripple effects today, people still call Bridgend by names created by the media at the time but we are so much more than this period of sadness. As the creators say, if you are contemplating suicide please ask for help. You are so much more than what you are experiencing right now, you can get through it. There is love in this world for you.
Damn, this story is actually true? I usually watch these without any real thought about them, nothing more than just a good scary story. Yeah some are myths and legends but I never think they actually occurred. Crazy...
Evil heartless journalists, trying to capitalize on the suffering of others clearly exasperated this situation. They should be ultimately ashamed of themselves and I hope those such that took part have trouble sleeping at night today as for the pain they've caused others. Absolutely abhorrent.
@@realenew as other commenters pointed out, the lack of job prospects in Brigend after graduating from school. It is worsened by the school's "promises" while none of these promises can be fulfilled in that town.
I'm from Bridgend, was 16 when this happened & knew of most of them. Sorry to burst the exciting cult or pact conspiracies, but I personally blame the media for the majority of the suicides! For most people, Bridgend was/ is a low class, poverty stricken town where many rely on benefits to survive. There are little prospects & drugs are far too easy to access. The press caught wind of this right after Natasha Randall's suicide and that's when the media frenzy began and the deaths shot up. The extravagant funerals with balloon releases, where hundreds of mourners wept whilst wearing an item of the deceased's favourite colour plastered the news, newspapers & the internet/ Bebo, and it was almost heroic in a town where nothing happens. The continued attention and adoration of the deceased was overwhelming and left you in awe. It's fair to say most of the suicides happened whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. So when this young and impressionable person who wasn't thinking straight became upset/ angry/ wanted to teach someone a lesson whilst intoxicated, suicide was at the forefront of their brain after the media constantly rammed it down our throats. The thought of being iconic and infamous, where everyone's attention and adoration is aimed only at you seems like a glamorous option when you're not coherent enough to understand the severity or finality of your actions, or that you won't actually be here to experience any of it. There's no second chance to sober up or take it back when you're already dead. Anyway that's my theory. I'm not saying I'm right or that this applies to all of them, but most of them in my opinion. This was the result of a cocktail of drink/ drug abuse, poverty and the media flaunting it to make money. I don't believe for one second most of them would've even considered suicide as an option had it not been normalised/ sensationalised in the news. They inadvertently promoted it by giving it a platform, a voice and attention, the same way that they do with ISIS terror attacks. It was a very scary time wondering who was next, parents lived in constant fear, and I even remember being approached by French paparazzi outside my school. It was an extremely horrible time, and I hope no one ever has to suffer it again. My continued condolences still go out to the families of the deceased. RIP 🤍
Emma, that is such a poignant story you typed. My heart goes out to all the folks of Bridgend. I, too, grew up in utter poverty. I understand the stigma that comes with living under such dire circumstances. The end result of my poverty living came rejection. I was blessed later to attend a university where I earned a degree in science. I became a registered nurse. I was a nurse for over twenty years. Poverty doesn't need to be a trap for life. There is a positive side to all of this.
I'm not from there, but I agree, it doesn't sound like a suicide cult or pact. It just sounded like a maelstrom of just everything that was happening. kids, especially teens often have a hard time of regulating their emotions in a healthy or conducive way, I feel like we don't learn how to be non-reactive until we're older, and even then some adults struggle. I can easily see just the fact that it kept happening weighing on young people's minds, in conjunction with the media's actions around it.
Yeah and if that's true what's this pandemic done for all that how they shut everything down I bet we'll never hear the real numbers of suicides from it
I live in South Wales and spend alot of time in Bridgend. It's a fairly odd area. On the surface it's just a large town off the M4. However it used to be a massive center of industry. During the war there was a massive ordinance factory, there was also alot of coalmines in the surrounding areas. All of this is now gone. There is a similar story across most of south wales. The schools push extremely hard for u to do well in the promise that it'll allow you to seek any employment that you desire, only for you to find out that there is next to nothing after school. The pressure and frustration can be immense and overwhelming. I'm not surprised some people felt that there was no point in trying to exist in a word that appears to not need you.
@David Macaulay thats a shame. I think alot of what is wrong with people today is down to lack of jobs. I think if more people were working, especially with thier hands, they'd feel less downtrodden and useless.
@David Macaulay Where I live in England some younger people forum a pact with freind that if they can't get out of the town by a certain year they agree with each other to kill themselves . A lot of them school children ( high school ) Living here and in other simalir areas drive people to sucide without substance abuse enabler
You are so right. Although I used to live in Swansea, I have now moved to Scotland, having a married daughter living in Bridgend. The Gower is actually some distance from Bridgend, and I would hardly consider it a "rural community". Miserable surroundings, not having a role in life, combined with teenage angst is a recipe for depression. Particularly if you have friends who have committed suicide. Quite what we can do to improve the lives of these young people is a difficult issue.
@David Macaulay Funny how both sides of the Atlantic, have the same issue. Left and forgotten communities by the centralised systems of Washington and London.
The sad thing is that most of the time when those of us with depression try to reach out, our struggle is belittled by those we sought help from. Reaching out for help is easier said than done.
Sadly, you are right. Nothing to do about shitty people being shitty, however, for those who want to help but are inanely clueless I point them to Depression Comix.
@@ოChiamariaო exactly! People that have never suffered depression(real clinical depression) can not empathize,they think "oh when I'm down i eat a bowl of icecream and it chippers me right up!" Or something along those lines,they think your sad or upset and that some motivational words or a good talk will "cheer you up" they cant fathom what its like to be so depressed you cant even be bothered to brush your teeth or shower,to be so disillusioned with life that another day of it is unbearable prospect. It sux because people will try to help you in some stupid way and really all their doing is stroking their own ego or helping them selves lol. Mental illness aint no joke.
I have seen vapid youtubers make videos where they basically say(in so many words) "just stop being depressed" like as if..uhg it pisses me off just thinking about it. Or even worse when ppl say your just being lazy
it's dark, but for better or worse there are a certain number of people that will do that in any given period of time. I suppose it's a useful number to have, if there's a rash of suicides. It's not like the rash of suicides doesn't end until zero people kill themselves, only once it's not more than normal
It's a well known social phenomenon, that when people see other people dealing with their problems in a certain way, they feel more empowered to act in a similar manner. Malcolm Gladwell talks about it in his book The Tipping Point. A very similar thing happened in Micronesia, where suicide was previously unheard of, one teen killed himself, it was widely publicized, and all of a sudden every teen in the area was killing themselves. It's a great reason to condemn media fervor over things like celebrity suicide or mass shootings, because even if the intent isn't to encourage such acts, the effect is that people in a similar mindset see it and feel empowered to take action . . . in the most tragic way.
Your right, and there's a name for the phenomenon I can't remember. There's also the chance that this is a statistical anomaly. There's a documentary that was on Netflix, thats about this town. And evidently nethier apply according to the data. Now I'm not through the video yet, and I don't know if they mentioned a certain case. In the case, a guy tied a rope around his neck and to the a tree, got in a convertible, fixed a rock on the accelerate, and threw the car in gear. It popped the guys head off. I don't know what is going onun this town, but,when you really look into it, it doesn't fit any previous model
As a Bridgend native and teenager at the time, this was devastating to the local communities and Valleys in Bridgend. Excellent and well made video. Bridgend suffered/suffers from severe lack of youth funding, youth clubs and general youth activities. There are many people who do great work for young people in Bridgend but are simply not backed enough. Walking through the town center and being bombarded with news cameras/reporters was also not helpful. The reporting ban may have seemed crass but was actually helpful in lowering the number of casualties. It was a hot topic in schools and not one school or village was unaffected.
@Vlavitir glutginskiya Short answer no. The 14-16 year old me (during the main period), some of us thought that once a couple of people did it, others who were searching for answers whilst being in a dark place mentally, were suddenly bombarded with a quick way out of despair. I do not speak for all, and since I am close to families who lost extremely close friends and often family members, it wouldn't be right for me to delve deeper. Also would point out that due to the nature of the subject, it was not something we tended to talk about in small circles due to the closeness of the subject to many in that circle. We all knew it was happening and it was often too painful to talk about.
There's still no youth centres really. The dipping bridge and Newbridge are the only real youth areas in the town proper. This still causes death with a boy being killed by a motorbike trying to cross to the dipping bridge a few years ago.
Emma Jenkins the circumstances of the death of that boy was purely accidental as it was proven that he was playing Pokemon go and stepped into oncoming traffic it was a sad day but not suicide or murder.
In some respects, this is the most frightening story you've ever done. After all, I doubt any of us have much to fear from Nazi demon ghosts; it's highly unlikely any of us will die from tentacled-monster attack in a historic Georgian flat; even though I could hop in my car and be to the gates of Sherman Ranch in two hrs, I've never been there and never had the slightest desire to go(assuming i even could) because I'm well aware it is not a place I should go. Its easy enough to stay perfectly safe from the Ranch's orbs and creatures. But the boogeyman in this story is A LOT closer to me, to anyone. This is a boogeyman one must definitely watch out for, and take precautions against.
Three years ago, my husband lost his battle with mental illness. He shot and killed himself in front of me. From a grieving and devastated widow... I thank you truly for the thoughtful and beautiful tribute to suicide prevention charities. I don't have the words to properly express how much reading that comment meant to me. As the daughter in law of a mother that lost her only son that night... I thank you again. This time for an episode so excellently articulated with real compassion(as usual). To you, I'm sure, these feel like small gestures. I just wanted to stop by to comment that it is HUGE to those of us affected. I truly wish the best for y'all! And I hope with all my hope that the friends and families of these children are able to find some peace. ❤
Juan Gonzalez I’m a friend, but I’m not sure that qualifies me to provide psychiatric care to a deeply ill person who might kill himself or someone else. It’s hard to know sometimes if you need to get a 3rd party involved.
@@corettaha7855 damn, if someone reaches out to you in a situation like that, hold their hand if need be into a place where that help is provided. Your comment shows that you don't really put much effort in caring for others, even if you don't, just dont get involved at all as making negative comment here.
I've been struggling with this topic and thoughts for years, thank you for covering at least respectfully. I feel like the younger generation is far more depressed and scared now than they've ever been. Isolated young people with nothing to live for. It's such a shame.
Moriarty Vivaldi there really is nothing to live for, once we are done with school we work until we are too old to do anything, the schools don’t really do anything to combat mental health, all they know how to do is tell someone’s parents when a student goes to them feeling suicidal. We need a way, or mandatory class to teach parents and students alike what depression is like and what it does to the mind of someone who is affected, everyone now adays seems to think it would be obvious if someone was dealing with depression, but really it’s nearly impossible to spot up until it’s too late.
@@PlaneBoy2520 That is not true, there ARE things to live for, yes there's work and it's hard but you won't work every day, you may even find a job you like! I'm out of highschool and i'm better than ever, don't listen to anyone telling you highschool is the best years of your life because it's def not, I hope you're doing well!
Based on happiness surveys by age, young people in today's generations are probably happier than young people of earlier generations, but are much more open to the idea of suicide such that the unhappy ones don't just live with it.
Great video! I appreciate your dedication to the charitable side of this aswell! It shows that you treat all of these stories with their due respect, as well as the people involved. I really envy your passion.
I grew up and still live in the town. I was a teenager during the time all this was going on and I feel it was down to a few things. There were low chance of good prospects at the time due to the recession as well as schools telling people they can 'do anything' when you couldn't because of lack of opportunity. There was also a lack of mental health care in the area and self harm became very popular due to it being normalised and almost glamorised by social media. A large proportion of people I knew at the time self harmed at some point or suffered from other mental health issues whether they openly admitted it or confided in few. As mentioned in the story, agencies originally only selected those 'at risk' to give support to so those who weren't using substances or were doing well at school were effectively ignored despite suffering with something. I'm thankful that things seem to have changed now but I think we still have a long way to go with changing attitudes surrounding mental health in the UK as a whole. I hope all those who are struggling seek out support whether it's from a friend, trusted teacher or mentor at an educational institution or other medical professional. Nobody should have to feel alone.
Huge problems with suicide in young men here in Ireland, so much so that there's speculation that there's a serial killer/killers involved. It's almost like an epidemic. I think in Bridgend the socio-economic situation may have been a contributory factor, coupled with the impulsive nature of teenagers/young adults. It's becoming a cliche now but suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation. As with most things, education, knowledge and easy access to emergency counselling would be hugely beneficial but for ordinary people, they're not available because they cost too much. Everything comes down to money in the end.
@S J It's not and please don't say that, people have become so jaded about hearing "it gets better" but it does, I spent a decade suffering and it did feel endless and I'm happy now and glad I'm here. Grief will ease, harms will heal.
Wales' economic problems are permanent... or at least beyond the scope of an individual to fix. And it's likely these young people didn't feel they had the talent or skill to overcome that or start again in a new place and be successful/happy. Sometimes things can feel pretty fucking permanent and inescapable.
With every upload Bedtime Stories proves to be the best. With the devastating cases of suicide your nuanced, sensitive, and through approach elevates the bar for such channels. I always come away with a profound sense of the respect you have for the people and survivors of such events. Many thanks to you for your work.
My heart goes out to all those families. From a guy who lost his brother to suicide. Bad times don’t last forever. Please don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help. 🙏
Not sure if it's a deprived area but poor regions within the UK seem to undergo periods with young people dying . It's common where I live in Northern England for young people to commit sucide . It's called the poverty of despair I believe . It would be interesting to know what it's income level and the chance of opportunity for young people is like . Given that a lot of Wales is poor I wouldn't be surprised if it played a part .
In 2011, part of Bridgend (Caerau) was ranked the 8th most deprived area in Wales, rising to 5th in 2014. It would be interesting to compare suicide rates in the other areas on the deprivation list.
It was a big coal mining town and we know Maggie Thatcher shut down all the coal mining industry without replacing the jobs. So towns like Bridgend became very poor over night with no hope or aspirations left for the youth in such towns. A lot turned to drink and drugs to escape the vacuum of no work and nothing to do. Closing down such industries without replacing them still has an impact even to the present day.
Thanks for that guys it does seem like it could have an impact on what may have gone on there . It's sad such regions are in such a state including my own region
@@PinkyAndTheMaskingTapes Yes. Maggie really did a number on Wales and northern England. Wales in particular has struggled to bounce back. I am from northern England and we had to emigrate twice in the 80s due to my dad being made redundant. I can understand the bleak desperation of the Welsh people in towns like Bridgend when the whole structure and life is pulled away.
Its a hell hole of depression and lack of hope. There is nothing to live for and honestly, this made them feel as if they would be more special dead than alive.
This is highly traumatizing. I have lived in Bridgend for all of my life, I am currently 16, and yes, substance abuse is still common, but this was highly chilling, given I recognize the places you talk about. We don't talk about this. I currently go to one of the biggest schools in Bridgend, and there are benches and plaques dedicated to these people. We have never forgotten. Please, if you feel like you have nothing left, don't commit suicide, call someone, anyone, you are loved, you are cared for.
You deserve so many more views and subscribers. This is truly the best narrated channel I’ve ever watched. Storytelling on subjects I’ve never hear of before and above all else you have a heart and wish the dead peace. The art is top notch and haunting. As well as putting scrip for people to read in every video. The work you and anyone else that works on these videos deserve so much credit. If you ever considered selling prints of the artwork I myself and I’m sure others would love to buy them.
John Doe Its one of the old ones. Season 2, it stars the guy who plays Sebastian from Blade Runner. It’s about how the gov does a test using electronics to subconsciously get people to perform murderous actions then commit suicide. But the catch is one of the people in the experiment is afraid of the sight of blood, so it messes up the experiment and that’s how Sculdy and Moldy figure out what’s going on.
Thank you for covering the story with respect. I grew up in a neighboring town and remember it well. I honestly don't think drink or drugs contributed to the epidemic as it has always been the case that a lot of young people resort to such escapes in the area. If anything the problem has worsened. I felt at the time like there was a heavy black cloud that fell upon us and it could have been something unnatural. Hopefully I haven't upset anyone who was affected by the terrible situation. Love to the families and friends of all.
To this day, I don't know how I survived the perfect storm that would've driven most to suicide. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 16, and my depression became more obvious when I was 17. I didn't have a support structure after my mom's passing, my paternal figure what abusive in all manners, except physical, my relatives didn't understand or 'believe' in mental illnesses; to admit you had one and to seek help was 'shameful' and 'an embarrassment to the family.' I wasn't allowed to grieve or express my emotions, so I had to bottle them up. When I was 19 (senior year of high school), I nearly hurt innocent people, my classmates, because my psyche had become that bogged down with depression and anger that I had to hold in, that I was a ticking time bomb that could explode at any given moment. No one supported my decision to stay in a psych ward for a week. Save for a couple of my late mom's friends, I had no visitors, nor any phone calls - it was like I didn't exist for seven days. After I got out, I spent years trying to find a therapist that would listen to me and a doctor who would give the help I needed, rather than brushing me off. I'm now 28 and it was only in the last year and a half that I've found the professionals that would work with me and help me. The times I spent in that dark, emotionless void, not wanting to move, not wanting to be awake, not wanting to face reality that cut deep into my soul...I don't know how I managed to skirt around the edge, teetering and swaying, but never actually falling in. It's a mystery even to myself how I managed to keep going on my own and not give into the desire to just not exist anymore. "When you stare into the void, the void stares back."
That's awful, I am so so sorry. Your relatives who didn't believe you should be ashamed and your father should arguably face legal action for his abuse. Hope you're OK now 💜
You persisted, you survived, and for that you are brave and courageous beyond words. Keep on going and I hope you thrive and find true happiness. Thank you for being an example to me.
I grew up in a town not too far away (about 30 minutes) called Merthyr and I was at the end of my teenage years when this phenomenon occurred. I remember being terrified and sad for the families who were losing their children at the time. Years later I forgot all about it and I eventually moved to Bridgend after getting a job here. I didn't remember the serial suicides that happened but I found out how serious the incidents are taken on one occasion. I once had to take a call in work and the person on the other end talked and talked and talked for ages about nothing, and it kept me from getting on with my job. On a piece of notepad, I doodled a little drawing of a man hanging himself to express my frustration in a sort of dark joke. I didn't pay it any mind until I was in a meeting with my manager and she saw the doodle on my pad. She asked me about it and I brushed it off, telling her why I did it and it meant nothing. While I wasn't in trouble, she did take it very seriously and didn't let me leave until she'd made sure I was ok and that I wasn't experiencing suicidal thoughts. I was a little shaken by how she reacted until a while after the meeting I remembered the suicides that took place here, and then it hit me how much of an impact the deaths of those young people had on the community. There I was sitting in an office in Bridgend almost a decade later, and the effects could still be felt in this local woman's mind. The incident has taught me to watch what I say about death and suicide in this town. The residents are still healing
My God the artwork is amazing. The opening picture is very simplistic, but the light play is amazing. I was immediately drawn in just to see what was next
Dale was known for abusing alcohol and drugs and had been found before in an unresponsive state, so when he didn't make it to his destination his family and friends figured there was NOTHING to worry about...
It's Bridgend. We walked around with lots of alcohol on us (we're underage) on new years eve and never even saw a police officer. It's far nicer now, but I live in the poshest area and there's not a massive problem in Brudgebs town. This was largely across Bridgend county.
I subscribed to you guys after hearing how respectful you always are about real tragedies people face in some of these horrible events. The end of this video reinforced that appreciation 10 fold. Keep up the good work.
Just randomly come across this video, I am Bridgend born and bred and grew up with some of the young people who are sadly not here anymore and i know the families of those people. It was a very dark time and even now it is still hard to come to grips with it all. I have to say though this video albeit sad and brings back some sad memories is a good well constructed video to help the younger people of today who are feeling that way. We sadly can't change what has happened but we can change the future and make people aware.
Excellent story with a message. There is much to ponder in this latest episode. Very moving story...how tragic for all those families. Greatest respect to all of your team for your donatio to such a worthy cause.
Very sad indeed. What I love about this channel is that to cover true crime as well as aliens and ghosts, etc. Thank you for all your research and everything you do.
Thanks Bedtimes Stories for the Outstanding narratives and Dark Ambient background sounds.Your endeavors are unmatched.Pulchchritud of you and exertions.
A little late due to work and stuff but couldn’t get to this video fast enough. Quick note: you guys handled a very sensitive subject that this video touched on and handled it in a very professional and respectful manner. I can’t speak highly enough on how good this channel is and you can see the hard work and care that goes into each video. Keep it up ❤️
I'm 35 years old... And now, I'm sitting in a corner hugging my own knees listening to the B-52's in a desperate attempt to distract myself from this inexplicable sense of dread, that I've started to feel after having binged your series for a couple of days... I didn't use to think much of ghost monks and lung crushing demons, but now I follow my wife into the bathroom, because I'm too afraid to be alone in the bedroom... You did this to me. And I may never sleep again!
Depression is a truly insidious thing and while I think covering this is important and the video is good I don't think I can watch much more seeing the mental state I myself am currently in so good video the quality of artwork and narration is excellent but I don't think I can finish it.
It always makes my day to see a new video from Bedtime Stories! I love everything about your videos! The subject matter, the way that the matter is approached, and the art work is all top notch!!! I'm very pleased to see that you subscriptions are climbing! As they should be! I hope that that trend continues until you see the success, popularity, and accolade that is well deserved! I will continue to promote your work to everyone that I possibly can! Blessings!
Clicked on this video as someone from the county described, ready to react angrily at someone exploiting the story and circumstances for views and conspiracy theories. In fact, you handled this recounting of events very tastefully. Fair play.
My Brother was a suicide, I still have not fully gotten over it, I don't think I ever will, it's like loosing a limb, you just learn to live around it and do the best you can. Thank you for bringing light unto this subject. I just want people to know just how much devastation you leave behind if you go out like this, please reach out for help and love, there is always tomorrow, so don't give up today! Life sucks for everyone, but it's better to endure together than alone! Please know that you are not alone!
Very well done. You handled a difficult topic with sensitivity and wisdom. It has been said, 'Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.' Not belittling anyone afflicted with depression -- a reminder that suicide solves nothing, and creates much grief for family, friends, and community. Don't harm yourself. Get help.
im from bridgend and one of mr barnes friends this shit made me cry i cant lie it happend when i was 15 im 29 now and it never gets easier if youve lost a close friend or a loved one.zach we miss you mate i and many others have good memories of you shame you thought things were bad enough to take your life so young.
Have you given thought to a video about all the dismembered feet that have washed up on the Pacific West coast of BC and Washington over the last couple decades?
Its actually very easy to explain as the body decomposes the shoes are more buoyant and the leg breaks and the shoes with parts of the body get carried by currents to the shore. So anyone who dies in the ocean from boats or planes could be the cause
Only just found this video but living in Bridgend my whole life this is very eye opening, I was to young to remember these suicides however my teacher told us about the story’s and they are truly horrifying!
One thing I love about these videos is the respect they show to victims and their families, the after commentary is often filled with condolences and you don't see that in a lot of videos about deaths.
I took journalism classes in the late 80's. We were told that suicide was not reported, unless the person was famous, or there was some other particular reason. This was because reporting suicide would result in more suicides. I don't recall any formal citations, but the faculty had decades of conbined experience.
This video was incredibly sad but very well done and as respectful as possible to those who died and the loved ones they left behind, kudos Coming from a former industrial area (in Yorkshire) I have to say that since the mines, factories, etc shut down and went away nothing has stepped in to fill that void formed by the death of that industry and the community its workers helped to form. There's a sense that your only hope is to get out or be, well, trapped there. There is a sense that there's nothing there for the younger generation and couple that with the tragic deaths, the additional stress on their friends and loved ones (and the increased risk they were under as a result of their loved ones suicide) and the relentless intrusion of the media it seems like it created a perfect storm of tragedy in Bridgend
Holy shit 79!! My best friend shot himself about 20 years ago and to think if cell phones were common then, I may have been able to save him since he was calling my house line constantly...still not over it fully
Never enjoyed a program like Bedttime Stories before. Well done, and great topics. These folks rock. Also learning things I never knew existed or events that had happen. Totally cool.. Thanks for creating this program.
Kudos to you for handling such a sensitive tragedy with such a thoughtful and respectful approach. This work alone certainly earns my respect and subscription. I look forward to binging your back catalogue and your future productions.
I'm actually from wales and lived with my boyfriend for five years in Bridgend, its a nice place to live and we knew about the suicides but were shocked to know how close they happened to were we lived. Most of wales is similar to Bridgend but for some reason Bridgend has a higher suicide issue than anywhere else. The film "the happening " was banned from showing there due to one scene where several people are hanging from a tree.
This episode hit home. Retired now, When I got out of the military, I dealt with the effects PTSD and its role in the suicide of veterans who came back. Suicide is an awful thing to deal with and I sympathize with the families who lost loved ones at Bridgend. Unfortunatly I've found the media to be unsympathetic in order to make a story at times. Thank you for highlighting this tragedy.
The fact that many of these parents didn't understand the suicide is very telling, just goes to show how disconnected they were from their own children
Depression is a difficult Beast that stays with you. Reaching out is harder than people realize, like has been mentioned, "Oh chin up. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Life isn't easy. Toughen up." It's hard to describe at times and some things are hard for others to understand. Open ones mind to hear along with seeing. A Professor once said, "You want to know what is wrong or bad with the world, ask someone with a medical condition of depression."
Very powerful episode and you guys handled this tough subject with such grace and understanding. Bedtime Stories is definitely the best channel on youtube.
Extremely good video as usual on a very sad and baffling subject. I remember these cases being reported in the news. As a sufferer of depression myself (bipolar) I know it is so very important to seek help from friends or loved ones. I have contemplated suicide but thoughts of my beloved family always pulled me from the brink. I know how tempting the river or a train line can seem. But with the help of doctors, loved ones and medication, my illness is under control. You are not alone. Seek help, reach out and talk about what is worrying you. It DOES get better. Sleep peacefully all those who so tragically died at Bridgend. 🙏
This one really gets to me. I lived in Bridgend for just a few months, and have been to many of the places in these stories. Had no idea about any of this whilst I was there. Chilling
I've heard it said that suicide can be contagious, especially among young people. It's so hard to understand this phenomenon. I understand why people in the throes of depression do it. But when others start following, it's so perplexing. I wonder if some of these teens, while understanding the nature of death, did not truly comprehend the finality of their actions. They may have seen the mourning and memorialization of their friends as somewhat glamorous in a morbid way. But perhaps they did not truly realize that they would not be around to witness the aftermath of their own suicides.
@16:35 What follows from this point is spot on. I was trying to work it out in my head, but, Ty, you did it for me. I'll just add this. It's obvious that there are chains of interlocking relationships between the victims. That just reinforces what you're saying. And to anyone who hasn't experienced suicide personally, I lost my best friend on this Earth 28 years ago to suicide. Mike was the brightest person that I've ever known and even now, I still think about him often. Before he died, Mike and I were reconciling after a break in our friendship. Don't underestimate friendship...
I live in South Wales, about 20 miles from Bridgend and remember this vividly. The Media didn’t help things but I think a lot of it is down to the social deprivation in the area. Most of South Wales is the same. It was and probably still is the poorest part of the country with the highest unemployment rate and lowest wages in the country. The jobs that are available, are extremely difficult to get due to the extremely high number of applicants. There is literally nothing in some of these small towns and villages and so unfortunately drug and alcohol abuse is common place. Unfortunately it’s only getting worse. Many large factories that employed a lot of people in the area are closing down. A lot of high streets now are becoming empty with vacant shops bordered up because they’ve gone out of business. It’s really not a great place especially for young people
Culture also plays a part in this. I'm from Merthyr and although it's got a bad rep I spent some years working in an office in Bridgend and honestly it was like a playground. Adults behaving like children, pickering, being spiteful, being jealous and the only decent ones were very high up and from Cardiff and just looked down at the local populace. A really miserable experience. Sorry to say it but it's easy to blame the world but we really need to fix our culture in Wales. People need to talk to each other properly and encourage the best.
Hi peeps, hope you like the video. This one was very difficult to produce given the subject matter, but we felt it was an important story to tell. We will not be accepting the revenue generated from this episode, but will instead make a donation to the suicide prevention charities linked in the description. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for these uploads! The artwork and narration is MINT!
Not sure if you’ve done it, but I’d suggest you do an episode on Elisa lamb, and the movie dark water that eerily corresponded to the details of her strange death
@@ajhproductions2347 Yep, done it! And we mentioned Dark Water in that episode :-)
You guys are great, the narration is perfect and the artwork fits the the tone perfectly. Feels like Im watching a TV show. Im not sure if you've done one on this yet, but could you do a video on Area 51 or the Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, NV? I live near both of them, and they are perfect locations for your channel.
You guys make it real hard for us to not like you guys more than we already do. You're all amazing.
Did you know a film was made about bridgend?
I live in Bridgend, I knew people who committed suicide during this period. There are lots of theories as explained in the video. I haven't seen many videos/articles who emphasise the role media had to play and I congratulate the makers of the video for this.
I was corned in an alley by journalists asking if I knew anyone who died and if I was part of a 'suicide pact' it was horrible. Escorted to and from busses at school because of the world media around the school gates. It was not a good time. Every new school week waiting to hear if anyone else had ended their lives.
I take my hat off to the schools, police, etc during this time. The support and outreach was more available and visable than I thought imaginable just unfortunately not everyone said yes and asked for help.
It's left a stain on our community and still has ripple effects today, people still call Bridgend by names created by the media at the time but we are so much more than this period of sadness.
As the creators say, if you are contemplating suicide please ask for help. You are so much more than what you are experiencing right now, you can get through it. There is love in this world for you.
those journalists need a severe beating.
@@bobleglob162 Solid agreement
Damn, this story is actually true? I usually watch these without any real thought about them, nothing more than just a good scary story. Yeah some are myths and legends but I never think they actually occurred. Crazy...
@@bobleglob162 yep
Evil heartless journalists, trying to capitalize on the suffering of others clearly exasperated this situation. They should be ultimately ashamed of themselves and I hope those such that took part have trouble sleeping at night today as for the pain they've caused others. Absolutely abhorrent.
Cause: Unemployment + low job prospects, high drug use, broken families and lack of mental stimulation.
Grew up and from Bridgend.
drugs, families, mental conditions sounds plausible, but for unemployments, they're still teens, shouldn't they still be in school?
@@realenew as other commenters pointed out, the lack of job prospects in Brigend after graduating from school. It is worsened by the school's "promises" while none of these promises can be fulfilled in that town.
@@OverseerMoti i see, but wow, they could still think of their future while mostly drunk all the time like that
@@realenew there are moments when they are sober, I'm sure of that.
@@OverseerMoti yeah, but tbh i think them drinking so much is already a pretty serious sign.
I'm from Bridgend, was 16 when this happened & knew of most of them. Sorry to burst the exciting cult or pact conspiracies, but I personally blame the media for the majority of the suicides! For most people, Bridgend was/ is a low class, poverty stricken town where many rely on benefits to survive. There are little prospects & drugs are far too easy to access.
The press caught wind of this right after Natasha Randall's suicide and that's when the media frenzy began and the deaths shot up. The extravagant funerals with balloon releases, where hundreds of mourners wept whilst wearing an item of the deceased's favourite colour plastered the news, newspapers & the internet/ Bebo, and it was almost heroic in a town where nothing happens. The continued attention and adoration of the deceased was overwhelming and left you in awe.
It's fair to say most of the suicides happened whilst under the influence of drink or drugs. So when this young and impressionable person who wasn't thinking straight became upset/ angry/ wanted to teach someone a lesson whilst intoxicated, suicide was at the forefront of their brain after the media constantly rammed it down our throats. The thought of being iconic and infamous, where everyone's attention and adoration is aimed only at you seems like a glamorous option when you're not coherent enough to understand the severity or finality of your actions, or that you won't actually be here to experience any of it. There's no second chance to sober up or take it back when you're already dead.
Anyway that's my theory. I'm not saying I'm right or that this applies to all of them, but most of them in my opinion. This was the result of a cocktail of drink/ drug abuse, poverty and the media flaunting it to make money. I don't believe for one second most of them would've even considered suicide as an option had it not been normalised/ sensationalised in the news. They inadvertently promoted it by giving it a platform, a voice and attention, the same way that they do with ISIS terror attacks.
It was a very scary time wondering who was next, parents lived in constant fear, and I even remember being approached by French paparazzi outside my school. It was an extremely horrible time, and I hope no one ever has to suffer it again. My continued condolences still go out to the families of the deceased. RIP 🤍
Emma, that is such a poignant story you typed. My heart goes out to all the folks of Bridgend. I, too, grew up in utter poverty. I understand the stigma that comes with living under such dire circumstances. The end result of my poverty living came rejection. I was blessed later to attend a university where I earned a degree in science. I became a registered nurse. I was a nurse for over twenty years. Poverty doesn't need to be a trap for life. There is a positive side to all of this.
I'm not from there, but I agree, it doesn't sound like a suicide cult or pact. It just sounded like a maelstrom of just everything that was happening. kids, especially teens often have a hard time of regulating their emotions in a healthy or conducive way, I feel like we don't learn how to be non-reactive until we're older, and even then some adults struggle. I can easily see just the fact that it kept happening weighing on young people's minds, in conjunction with the media's actions around it.
Well said Emma. Teenage years are awful the best of times for most. I can't imagine what you've encountered. Bless you young lady.
Not from there but I believe your right.
I'm from Bridgend and completely agree, sad to see that barely anything has changed and covid has seemed to have made things a whole lot worse
Those last words...this is why you are better than every other channel. I love you guys.
Agreed!
Yup! Too many channels focus on the mystery part of the equation and forget that actual, real life people are involved.
I actually started crying.
@@TheActualMrLink 🙄
Yeah and if that's true what's this pandemic done for all that how they shut everything down I bet we'll never hear the real numbers of suicides from it
I live in South Wales and spend alot of time in Bridgend. It's a fairly odd area. On the surface it's just a large town off the M4. However it used to be a massive center of industry. During the war there was a massive ordinance factory, there was also alot of coalmines in the surrounding areas. All of this is now gone. There is a similar story across most of south wales. The schools push extremely hard for u to do well in the promise that it'll allow you to seek any employment that you desire, only for you to find out that there is next to nothing after school. The pressure and frustration can be immense and overwhelming. I'm not surprised some people felt that there was no point in trying to exist in a word that appears to not need you.
@David Macaulay thats a shame. I think alot of what is wrong with people today is down to lack of jobs. I think if more people were working, especially with thier hands, they'd feel less downtrodden and useless.
David Macaulay I live in Virginia, meth and heroin overdoses are particularly bad in my area. I'm about an hour and a half drive from West Virginia.
@David Macaulay Where I live in England some younger people forum a pact with freind that if they can't get out of the town by a certain year they agree with each other to kill themselves . A lot of them school children ( high school )
Living here and in other simalir areas drive people to sucide without substance abuse enabler
You are so right. Although I used to live in Swansea, I have now moved to Scotland, having a married daughter living in Bridgend. The Gower is actually some distance from Bridgend, and I would hardly consider it a "rural community". Miserable surroundings, not having a role in life, combined with teenage angst is a recipe for depression. Particularly if you have friends who have committed suicide. Quite what we can do to improve the lives of these young people is a difficult issue.
@David Macaulay Funny how both sides of the Atlantic, have the same issue. Left and forgotten communities by the centralised systems of Washington and London.
The sad thing is that most of the time when those of us with depression try to reach out, our struggle is belittled by those we sought help from. Reaching out for help is easier said than done.
Too true. But never ever give up when seeking help 💜
I have to agree with you. That's why so many people don't or quit reaching out.
Sadly, you are right. Nothing to do about shitty people being shitty, however, for those who want to help but are inanely clueless I point them to Depression Comix.
@@ოChiamariaო exactly! People that have never suffered depression(real clinical depression) can not empathize,they think "oh when I'm down i eat a bowl of icecream and it chippers me right up!" Or something along those lines,they think your sad or upset and that some motivational words or a good talk will "cheer you up" they cant fathom what its like to be so depressed you cant even be bothered to brush your teeth or shower,to be so disillusioned with life that another day of it is unbearable prospect.
It sux because people will try to help you in some stupid way and really all their doing is stroking their own ego or helping them selves lol.
Mental illness aint no joke.
I have seen vapid youtubers make videos where they basically say(in so many words) "just stop being depressed" like as if..uhg it pisses me off just thinking about it. Or even worse when ppl say your just being lazy
"The number of hangings fell back into accepted and expected levels." Thats one hell of a quote.
Andrew Dees Not half mate!
Thats something that the CDC would say here in the USA.
it's dark, but for better or worse there are a certain number of people that will do that in any given period of time. I suppose it's a useful number to have, if there's a rash of suicides. It's not like the rash of suicides doesn't end until zero people kill themselves, only once it's not more than normal
Get out of Bridgend
Didn't say "accepted" though
It's a well known social phenomenon, that when people see other people dealing with their problems in a certain way, they feel more empowered to act in a similar manner. Malcolm Gladwell talks about it in his book The Tipping Point. A very similar thing happened in Micronesia, where suicide was previously unheard of, one teen killed himself, it was widely publicized, and all of a sudden every teen in the area was killing themselves. It's a great reason to condemn media fervor over things like celebrity suicide or mass shootings, because even if the intent isn't to encourage such acts, the effect is that people in a similar mindset see it and feel empowered to take action . . . in the most tragic way.
Your right, and there's a name for the phenomenon I can't remember. There's also the chance that this is a statistical anomaly.
There's a documentary that was on Netflix, thats about this town. And evidently nethier apply according to the data. Now I'm not through the video yet, and I don't know if they mentioned a certain case. In the case, a guy tied a rope around his neck and to the a tree, got in a convertible, fixed a rock on the accelerate, and threw the car in gear. It popped the guys head off.
I don't know what is going onun this town, but,when you really look into it, it doesn't fit any previous model
Thank you, Roxanne.
As a Bridgend native and teenager at the time, this was devastating to the local communities and Valleys in Bridgend.
Excellent and well made video.
Bridgend suffered/suffers from severe lack of youth funding, youth clubs and general youth activities. There are many people who do great work for young people in Bridgend but are simply not backed enough.
Walking through the town center and being bombarded with news cameras/reporters was also not helpful. The reporting ban may have seemed crass but was actually helpful in lowering the number of casualties.
It was a hot topic in schools and not one school or village was unaffected.
@Vlavitir glutginskiya Short answer no. The 14-16 year old me (during the main period), some of us thought that once a couple of people did it, others who were searching for answers whilst being in a dark place mentally, were suddenly bombarded with a quick way out of despair.
I do not speak for all, and since I am close to families who lost extremely close friends and often family members, it wouldn't be right for me to delve deeper.
Also would point out that due to the nature of the subject, it was not something we tended to talk about in small circles due to the closeness of the subject to many in that circle. We all knew it was happening and it was often too painful to talk about.
There's still no youth centres really. The dipping bridge and Newbridge are the only real youth areas in the town proper. This still causes death with a boy being killed by a motorbike trying to cross to the dipping bridge a few years ago.
Emma Jenkins the circumstances of the death of that boy was purely accidental as it was proven that he was playing Pokemon go and stepped into oncoming traffic it was a sad day but not suicide or murder.
In some respects, this is the most frightening story you've ever done. After all, I doubt any of us have much to fear from Nazi demon ghosts; it's highly unlikely any of us will die from tentacled-monster attack in a historic Georgian flat; even though I could hop in my car and be to the gates of Sherman Ranch in two hrs, I've never been there and never had the slightest desire to go(assuming i even could) because I'm well aware it is not a place I should go. Its easy enough to stay perfectly safe from the Ranch's orbs and creatures.
But the boogeyman in this story is A LOT closer to me, to anyone. This is a boogeyman one must definitely watch out for, and take precautions against.
ALWAYS be prepared against nazi demon ghosts.
Well said
DJ 2011 most definitely. Never take anything for granted.
Especially the ones that infest the minds of angry and naive people.
Try the grinning man, the shadow man, and dab tsog. It scared me so much
Three years ago, my husband lost his battle with mental illness. He shot and killed himself in front of me. From a grieving and devastated widow... I thank you truly for the thoughtful and beautiful tribute to suicide prevention charities. I don't have the words to properly express how much reading that comment meant to me. As the daughter in law of a mother that lost her only son that night... I thank you again. This time for an episode so excellently articulated with real compassion(as usual). To you, I'm sure, these feel like small gestures. I just wanted to stop by to comment that it is HUGE to those of us affected. I truly wish the best for y'all! And I hope with all my hope that the friends and families of these children are able to find some peace. ❤
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Sending love ❤️
@@standup2982 Thank you ♥️♥️
I'm so sorry for your loss 😢
This was extremly respectable and well made
Agreed.
To anyone that says "Reach to a friend for help" should asked themselves if they were willing to be that Friend to someone else.
I'd say reach out to any friend who may need help. It's often impossible for a person contemplating suicide to reach out.
Yes, I have been that friend/relative!
Juan Gonzalez I’m a friend, but I’m not sure that qualifies me to provide psychiatric care to a deeply ill person who might kill himself or someone else. It’s hard to know sometimes if you need to get a 3rd party involved.
@@corettaha7855 damn, if someone reaches out to you in a situation like that, hold their hand if need be into a place where that help is provided. Your comment shows that you don't really put much effort in caring for others, even if you don't, just dont get involved at all as making negative comment here.
fernando Ferreira 👌🏽. I’ll just call the cops and let them deal with my crazy friends. 🤪
Anytime I see Bedtime Stories in my notifications, I drop what I'm doing and start watching. Love this channel!
I wait 'till its dark whilst in my bed!
Grumpy_csgo that’s what I do I wait until I’m in bed with the headphones it’s an adults bedtime story
Like an instant burst of happy.
Grumpy_csgo same lol
Thank you for covering this! Hardly anyone will anymore. And I think it’s an important story that shouldn’t be ignored forever. Thank you. ♥️
Especially as its still happening.. the whole situation has been brushed under the carpet for years.
@@ufopilotFPV do you know what the total is now?? This started in my 20s n im 40 now.... it disturbed me greatly and still does now
I lost my dad to suicide in 2017. Thank you for raising awareness with your video and for donating proceeds to help others!
Sorry to hear that i really am . I myself wanted to kill myself and wished death upon myself alot 😞
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, best part of Sunday’s is seeing you guys upload, fantastic work as always!
They're the BEST
I've been struggling with this topic and thoughts for years, thank you for covering at least respectfully. I feel like the younger generation is far more depressed and scared now than they've ever been. Isolated young people with nothing to live for. It's such a shame.
Hope you're OK my friend. Believe me, as someone who also has issues with the topic, they (and you) have everything to live for 💜
Moriarty Vivaldi there really is nothing to live for, once we are done with school we work until we are too old to do anything, the schools don’t really do anything to combat mental health, all they know how to do is tell someone’s parents when a student goes to them feeling suicidal. We need a way, or mandatory class to teach parents and students alike what depression is like and what it does to the mind of someone who is affected, everyone now adays seems to think it would be obvious if someone was dealing with depression, but really it’s nearly impossible to spot up until it’s too late.
@@PlaneBoy2520 That is not true, there ARE things to live for, yes there's work and it's hard but you won't work every day, you may even find a job you like! I'm out of highschool and i'm better than ever, don't listen to anyone telling you highschool is the best years of your life because it's def not, I hope you're doing well!
I hope you're doing okay!
Based on happiness surveys by age, young people in today's generations are probably happier than young people of earlier generations, but are much more open to the idea of suicide such that the unhappy ones don't just live with it.
Great video! I appreciate your dedication to the charitable side of this aswell! It shows that you treat all of these stories with their due respect, as well as the people involved. I really envy your passion.
I grew up and still live in the town. I was a teenager during the time all this was going on and I feel it was down to a few things. There were low chance of good prospects at the time due to the recession as well as schools telling people they can 'do anything' when you couldn't because of lack of opportunity. There was also a lack of mental health care in the area and self harm became very popular due to it being normalised and almost glamorised by social media. A large proportion of people I knew at the time self harmed at some point or suffered from other mental health issues whether they openly admitted it or confided in few. As mentioned in the story, agencies originally only selected those 'at risk' to give support to so those who weren't using substances or were doing well at school were effectively ignored despite suffering with something. I'm thankful that things seem to have changed now but I think we still have a long way to go with changing attitudes surrounding mental health in the UK as a whole. I hope all those who are struggling seek out support whether it's from a friend, trusted teacher or mentor at an educational institution or other medical professional. Nobody should have to feel alone.
Have there been yearly Suicides since 2010?
As someone who's struggled most of his life with depression your final words brought a single manly tear to my eyes. Thank You
Huge problems with suicide in young men here in Ireland, so much so that there's speculation that there's a serial killer/killers involved. It's almost like an epidemic. I think in Bridgend the socio-economic situation may have been a contributory factor, coupled with the impulsive nature of teenagers/young adults. It's becoming a cliche now but suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary situation. As with most things, education, knowledge and easy access to emergency counselling would be hugely beneficial but for ordinary people, they're not available because they cost too much. Everything comes down to money in the end.
@S J It's not and please don't say that, people have become so jaded about hearing "it gets better" but it does, I spent a decade suffering and it did feel endless and I'm happy now and glad I'm here. Grief will ease, harms will heal.
Wales' economic problems are permanent... or at least beyond the scope of an individual to fix. And it's likely these young people didn't feel they had the talent or skill to overcome that or start again in a new place and be successful/happy. Sometimes things can feel pretty fucking permanent and inescapable.
“This world’s all about money and pussy, and you need to figure that out” - some random lady on Savage Mode 2 by 21 Savage
With every upload Bedtime Stories proves to be the best. With the devastating cases of suicide your nuanced, sensitive, and through approach elevates the bar for such channels. I always come away with a profound sense of the respect you have for the people and survivors of such events. Many thanks to you for your work.
I also want to add that the ending is absolutely beautiful. Thank you so so much for being so considerate of the families.
My heart goes out to all those families.
From a guy who lost his brother to suicide.
Bad times don’t last forever.
Please don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help. 🙏
Not sure if it's a deprived area but poor regions within the UK seem to undergo periods with young people dying . It's common where I live in Northern England for young people to commit sucide .
It's called the poverty of despair I believe .
It would be interesting to know what it's income level and the chance of opportunity for young people is like .
Given that a lot of Wales is poor I wouldn't be surprised if it played a part .
In 2011, part of Bridgend (Caerau) was ranked the 8th most deprived area in Wales, rising to 5th in 2014. It would be interesting to compare suicide rates in the other areas on the deprivation list.
It was a big coal mining town and we know Maggie Thatcher shut down all the coal mining industry without replacing the jobs.
So towns like Bridgend became very poor over night with no hope or aspirations left for the youth in such towns. A lot turned to drink and drugs to escape the vacuum of no work and nothing to do.
Closing down such industries without replacing them still has an impact even to the present day.
Thanks for that guys it does seem like it could have an impact on what may have gone on there . It's sad such regions are in such a state including my own region
@@PinkyAndTheMaskingTapes Yes. Maggie really did a number on Wales and northern England. Wales in particular has struggled to bounce back. I am from northern England and we had to emigrate twice in the 80s due to my dad being made redundant. I can understand the bleak desperation of the Welsh people in towns like Bridgend when the whole structure and life is pulled away.
Its a hell hole of depression and lack of hope. There is nothing to live for and honestly, this made them feel as if they would be more special dead than alive.
This is highly traumatizing. I have lived in Bridgend for all of my life, I am currently 16, and yes, substance abuse is still common, but this was highly chilling, given I recognize the places you talk about. We don't talk about this. I currently go to one of the biggest schools in Bridgend, and there are benches and plaques dedicated to these people. We have never forgotten. Please, if you feel like you have nothing left, don't commit suicide, call someone, anyone, you are loved, you are cared for.
You deserve so many more views and subscribers.
This is truly the best narrated channel I’ve ever watched.
Storytelling on subjects I’ve never hear of before and above all else you have a heart and wish the dead peace.
The art is top notch and haunting. As well as putting scrip for people to read in every video. The work you and anyone else that works on these videos deserve so much credit.
If you ever considered selling prints of the artwork I myself and I’m sure others would love to buy them.
The one temporary survivor hearing voices is just too creepy. This all reminds me of that X Files episode ‘Blood’
MrParkinthedark was that thr relaunch I heard about or the old one?
Seen Bird Box?
My thoughts exactly.
MrParkinthedark its schizophrenia..... Mental illness.... 😢😢
John Doe Its one of the old ones. Season 2, it stars the guy who plays Sebastian from Blade Runner. It’s about how the gov does a test using electronics to subconsciously get people to perform murderous actions then commit suicide. But the catch is one of the people in the experiment is afraid of the sight of blood, so it messes up the experiment and that’s how Sculdy and Moldy figure out what’s going on.
You should do an episode on the bridge in Scotland or UK that dogs inexplicably jump to their deaths off.
Thats a good one!
You Must Be Bored. that is a weird one
They determined that a plant below gave off the scent of a natural prey that drove the dogs to pursue it
Joseph Wilson is right. They solved that 1.
So Just because something is solved does not take away from the fact that it is an interesting story. I would watch this if Bedtime stories covers it!
Well done. I still miss my daughter. She would be 25 this year. She chose to end her life Jan 17.2018. thanks for the words at the end of this video.
Thank you for covering the story with respect. I grew up in a neighboring town and remember it well. I honestly don't think drink or drugs contributed to the epidemic as it has always been the case that a lot of young people resort to such escapes in the area. If anything the problem has worsened. I felt at the time like there was a heavy black cloud that fell upon us and it could have been something unnatural. Hopefully I haven't upset anyone who was affected by the terrible situation. Love to the families and friends of all.
To this day, I don't know how I survived the perfect storm that would've driven most to suicide.
I lost my mom to cancer when I was 16, and my depression became more obvious when I was 17. I didn't have a support structure after my mom's passing, my paternal figure what abusive in all manners, except physical, my relatives didn't understand or 'believe' in mental illnesses; to admit you had one and to seek help was 'shameful' and 'an embarrassment to the family.'
I wasn't allowed to grieve or express my emotions, so I had to bottle them up.
When I was 19 (senior year of high school), I nearly hurt innocent people, my classmates, because my psyche had become that bogged down with depression and anger that I had to hold in, that I was a ticking time bomb that could explode at any given moment.
No one supported my decision to stay in a psych ward for a week. Save for a couple of my late mom's friends, I had no visitors, nor any phone calls - it was like I didn't exist for seven days.
After I got out, I spent years trying to find a therapist that would listen to me and a doctor who would give the help I needed, rather than brushing me off. I'm now 28 and it was only in the last year and a half that I've found the professionals that would work with me and help me.
The times I spent in that dark, emotionless void, not wanting to move, not wanting to be awake, not wanting to face reality that cut deep into my soul...I don't know how I managed to skirt around the edge, teetering and swaying, but never actually falling in. It's a mystery even to myself how I managed to keep going on my own and not give into the desire to just not exist anymore.
"When you stare into the void, the void stares back."
That's awful, I am so so sorry. Your relatives who didn't believe you should be ashamed and your father should arguably face legal action for his abuse. Hope you're OK now 💜
First off, I hoped you found some closure about your mom's death. And I hope your alright. But That quote sounds familiar. Where you get from.?
You persisted, you survived, and for that you are brave and courageous beyond words. Keep on going and I hope you thrive and find true happiness. Thank you for being an example to me.
Hope yea feeling better now stay strong 🙌
How sad. I recommend smoking a big bowl of weed. It works wonders for your psyche.
I grew up in a town not too far away (about 30 minutes) called Merthyr and I was at the end of my teenage years when this phenomenon occurred.
I remember being terrified and sad for the families who were losing their children at the time.
Years later I forgot all about it and I eventually moved to Bridgend after getting a job here. I didn't remember the serial suicides that happened but I found out how serious the incidents are taken on one occasion.
I once had to take a call in work and the person on the other end talked and talked and talked for ages about nothing, and it kept me from getting on with my job. On a piece of notepad, I doodled a little drawing of a man hanging himself to express my frustration in a sort of dark joke. I didn't pay it any mind until I was in a meeting with my manager and she saw the doodle on my pad. She asked me about it and I brushed it off, telling her why I did it and it meant nothing. While I wasn't in trouble, she did take it very seriously and didn't let me leave until she'd made sure I was ok and that I wasn't experiencing suicidal thoughts. I was a little shaken by how she reacted until a while after the meeting I remembered the suicides that took place here, and then it hit me how much of an impact the deaths of those young people had on the community. There I was sitting in an office in Bridgend almost a decade later, and the effects could still be felt in this local woman's mind.
The incident has taught me to watch what I say about death and suicide in this town. The residents are still healing
I lived in Kidderminster i remember when this happened
I guess a game of hangman is off the cards
@@Solaar_Punk
What an awful thing to say,so many young people died have you no sympathy for the families. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
My God the artwork is amazing. The opening picture is very simplistic, but the light play is amazing. I was immediately drawn in just to see what was next
Dale was known for abusing alcohol and drugs and had been found before in an unresponsive state, so when he didn't make it to his destination his family and friends figured there was NOTHING to worry about...
DOH........
Welcome to UK working class depravity
It's Bridgend. We walked around with lots of alcohol on us (we're underage) on new years eve and never even saw a police officer. It's far nicer now, but I live in the poshest area and there's not a massive problem in Brudgebs town. This was largely across Bridgend county.
Morrigon VR unresponsive, nothing to worry about...
I subscribed to you guys after hearing how respectful you always are about real tragedies people face in some of these horrible events. The end of this video reinforced that appreciation 10 fold. Keep up the good work.
Saving this for tonight! Thanks and greetings again from Texas 👋
Just randomly come across this video, I am Bridgend born and bred and grew up with some of the young people who are sadly not here anymore and i know the families of those people. It was a very dark time and even now it is still hard to come to grips with it all. I have to say though this video albeit sad and brings back some sad memories is a good well constructed video to help the younger people of today who are feeling that way. We sadly can't change what has happened but we can change the future and make people aware.
Excellent story with a message. There is much to ponder in this latest episode. Very moving story...how tragic for all those families. Greatest respect to all of your team for your donatio to such a worthy cause.
Very sad indeed. What I love about this channel is that to cover true crime as well as aliens and ghosts, etc. Thank you for all your research and everything you do.
Thanks Bedtimes Stories for the Outstanding narratives and Dark Ambient background sounds.Your endeavors are unmatched.Pulchchritud of you and exertions.
A little late due to work and stuff but couldn’t get to this video fast enough.
Quick note: you guys handled a very sensitive subject that this video touched on and handled it in a very professional and respectful manner. I can’t speak highly enough on how good this channel is and you can see the hard work and care that goes into each video. Keep it up ❤️
I'm 35 years old... And now, I'm sitting in a corner hugging my own knees listening to the B-52's in a desperate attempt to distract myself from this inexplicable sense of dread, that I've started to feel after having binged your series for a couple of days... I didn't use to think much of ghost monks and lung crushing demons, but now I follow my wife into the bathroom, because I'm too afraid to be alone in the bedroom... You did this to me. And I may never sleep again!
Pull yourself together man.
It's already 10:30 pm here in Germany and I stayed up because I simply KNEW you would not let us down this Sunday. 👍
@@appalachiahiker853 Of course you'd have a "MAGA 20" in your name.
Mary or something lolol got a problem with MAGA ?
@@appalachiahiker853
It's hilarious, and pure stupidity.
The equivalent of "Tearing down the patriarchy!"
Mary or something Yeah i love your liberal tears! Suck it Butterfly
@@appalachiahiker853
Got any more cringy one-liners?
Depression is a truly insidious thing and while I think covering this is important and the video is good I don't think I can watch much more seeing the mental state I myself am currently in so good video the quality of artwork and narration is excellent but I don't think I can finish it.
I think you made the wise decision, i hope you're doing well
It always makes my day to see a new video from Bedtime Stories! I love everything about your videos! The subject matter, the way that the matter is approached, and the art work is all top notch!!! I'm very pleased to see that you subscriptions are climbing! As they should be! I hope that that trend continues until you see the success, popularity, and accolade that is well deserved! I will continue to promote your work to everyone that I possibly can! Blessings!
Clicked on this video as someone from the county described, ready to react angrily at someone exploiting the story and circumstances for views and conspiracy theories. In fact, you handled this recounting of events very tastefully. Fair play.
My Brother was a suicide, I still have not fully gotten over it, I don't think I ever will, it's like loosing a limb, you just learn to live around it and do the best you can. Thank you for bringing light unto this subject. I just want people to know just how much devastation you leave behind if you go out like this, please reach out for help and love, there is always tomorrow, so don't give up today! Life sucks for everyone, but it's better to endure together than alone! Please know that you are not alone!
Very well done. You handled a difficult topic with sensitivity and wisdom.
It has been said, 'Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.'
Not belittling anyone afflicted with depression -- a reminder that suicide solves nothing, and creates much grief for family, friends, and community.
Don't harm yourself.
Get help.
Help doesn't give money
im from bridgend and one of mr barnes friends this shit made me cry i cant lie it happend when i was 15 im 29 now and it never gets easier if youve lost a close friend or a loved one.zach we miss you mate i and many others have good memories of you shame you thought things were bad enough to take your life so young.
Have you given thought to a video about all the dismembered feet that have washed up on the Pacific West coast of BC and Washington over the last couple decades?
what
Its actually very easy to explain as the body decomposes the shoes are more buoyant and the leg breaks and the shoes with parts of the body get carried by currents to the shore. So anyone who dies in the ocean from boats or planes could be the cause
I am from Bridgend area. When this happened it scared me deeply. There are hidden truths that the local council will never tell.
R.I.P. to all xxx
Stuart Vowles Really? That sounds alarming...
Can you elaborate
I’m still gonna recommend doing the story of “The Jersey Devil” I think it fits this channel
I'll second this recommendation.
This channel deserves some kind of an award.
Hands down one of the greatest channels in all of youtube.
A bedtime stories upload? On my birthday? My dream come true!
I love this channel! You work so hard and you always tell storys that I've never heard or not heard a lot about. I always get chills.
When your home town shows up on a favourite channel.
Even if it is a dark, sad and unfortunate subject
wonderfully represented! thank you for acknowledging that some of us deal with emotional issues. you guys rock!
This is the strangest public service announcement i've ever seen. thanks for uploading.
That ending really hit close to home... This channel really is something else. Love how you are respectful of those who've sadly passed. Thank you ♥️
Only just found this video but living in Bridgend my whole life this is very eye opening, I was to young to remember these suicides however my teacher told us about the story’s and they are truly horrifying!
One thing I love about these videos is the respect they show to victims and their families, the after commentary is often filled with condolences and you don't see that in a lot of videos about deaths.
I took journalism classes in the late 80's. We were told that suicide was not reported, unless the person was famous, or there was some other particular reason. This was because reporting suicide would result in more suicides. I don't recall any formal citations, but the faculty had decades of conbined experience.
This video was incredibly sad but very well done and as respectful as possible to those who died and the loved ones they left behind, kudos
Coming from a former industrial area (in Yorkshire) I have to say that since the mines, factories, etc shut down and went away nothing has stepped in to fill that void formed by the death of that industry and the community its workers helped to form. There's a sense that your only hope is to get out or be, well, trapped there. There is a sense that there's nothing there for the younger generation and couple that with the tragic deaths, the additional stress on their friends and loved ones (and the increased risk they were under as a result of their loved ones suicide) and the relentless intrusion of the media it seems like it created a perfect storm of tragedy in Bridgend
Holy shit 79!! My best friend shot himself about 20 years ago and to think if cell phones were common then, I may have been able to save him since he was calling my house line constantly...still not over it fully
I'm really sorry that happened, i hope you're doing okay!
I am always blown away by the quality of these videos. Bedtime Stories is by far one of the best channels in the genre
That was a beautiful episode, guys. I love what you do, it's something I look forward to on Sundays.
I wasn’t watching all of your videos because I thought they were just “bedtime stories” I’m loving these!!!!!
It’s raining out here and listening to this over a hot beverage is maximum comfy.
Never enjoyed a program like Bedttime Stories before. Well done, and great topics. These folks rock. Also learning things I never knew existed or events that had happen. Totally cool.. Thanks for creating this program.
Yes! Waited all week best channel on TH-cam. Keep up the good work guys! Hats off to you!
Sad days
Kudos to you for handling such a sensitive tragedy with such a thoughtful and respectful approach. This work alone certainly earns my respect and subscription.
I look forward to binging your back catalogue and your future productions.
2 uploads in like a week. YES❤️
Well written & well read, thank you for your kind & gentle delivery of those words xx
I was literally so upset because I had just watched every episode you’ve made so far and then you upload this gem. Thank you so much ❤️
I Love me some bedtime stories!!!! So glad the narrator is healthy again! God Bless
That ending fucking choked me up, especially when his mom faded in next to him... Great video.
A very respectful telling of a sad story. Good on you for making a charitable donation too.
My friends wife comes from Bridgend and was in the same school year as some of the people who died. She know works in mental health because of this.
You guys are awesome. Definitely one of the most underrated channels on youtube.
I'm actually from wales and lived with my boyfriend for five years in Bridgend, its a nice place to live and we knew about the suicides but were shocked to know how close they happened to were we lived. Most of wales is similar to Bridgend but for some reason Bridgend has a higher suicide issue than anywhere else. The film "the happening " was banned from showing there due to one scene where several people are hanging from a tree.
This episode hit home. Retired now, When I got out of the military, I dealt with the effects PTSD and its role in the suicide of veterans who came back. Suicide is an awful thing to deal with and I sympathize with the families who lost loved ones at Bridgend. Unfortunatly I've found the media to be unsympathetic in order to make a story at times. Thank you for highlighting this tragedy.
The fact that many of these parents didn't understand the suicide is very telling, just goes to show how disconnected they were from their own children
*Hugs you for you being THE FIRST PERSON TO NOT CALL JONESTOWN A SUICIDE CULT.
That always saddens me, this is why I watch you. YOU "GET" it. Kudos!
Depression is a difficult Beast that stays with you. Reaching out is harder than people realize, like has been mentioned, "Oh chin up. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger Life isn't easy. Toughen up." It's hard to describe at times and some things are hard for others to understand. Open ones mind to hear along with seeing. A Professor once said, "You want to know what is wrong or bad with the world, ask someone with a medical condition of depression."
What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. A bs thing to say because...
That which does kill you leaves you dead.
Very powerful episode and you guys handled this tough subject with such grace and understanding. Bedtime Stories is definitely the best channel on youtube.
This was really depressing but beautifully spoken words in the end.
Extremely good video as usual on a very sad and baffling subject. I remember these cases being reported in the news.
As a sufferer of depression myself (bipolar) I know it is so very important to seek help from friends or loved ones. I have contemplated suicide but thoughts of my beloved family always pulled me from the brink. I know how tempting the river or a train line can seem. But with the help of doctors, loved ones and medication, my illness is under control.
You are not alone. Seek help, reach out and talk about what is worrying you. It DOES get better.
Sleep peacefully all those who so tragically died at Bridgend. 🙏
That ending was very moving.
This one really gets to me. I lived in Bridgend for just a few months, and have been to many of the places in these stories. Had no idea about any of this whilst I was there. Chilling
I've heard it said that suicide can be contagious, especially among young people. It's so hard to understand this phenomenon. I understand why people in the throes of depression do it. But when others start following, it's so perplexing.
I wonder if some of these teens, while understanding the nature of death, did not truly comprehend the finality of their actions. They may have seen the mourning and memorialization of their friends as somewhat glamorous in a morbid way. But perhaps they did not truly realize that they would not be around to witness the aftermath of their own suicides.
Yes..the last feeling I felt before it went dark, was regret.
Always looking forward on every content you release !
Good episode as always, and strong message at the end☕🌷
You guys are the absolute best..hands down..i love it.
@16:35 What follows from this point is spot on. I was trying to work it out in my head, but, Ty, you did it for me. I'll just add this. It's obvious that there are chains of interlocking relationships between the victims. That just reinforces what you're saying. And to anyone who hasn't experienced suicide personally, I lost my best friend on this Earth 28 years ago to suicide. Mike was the brightest person that I've ever known and even now, I still think about him often. Before he died, Mike and I were reconciling after a break in our friendship. Don't underestimate friendship...
Im listening to this at 10pm coming back from work through the dark parts of York. Goosebumps all over!
I live in South Wales, about 20 miles from Bridgend and remember this vividly. The Media didn’t help things but I think a lot of it is down to the social deprivation in the area. Most of South Wales is the same. It was and probably still is the poorest part of the country with the highest unemployment rate and lowest wages in the country. The jobs that are available, are extremely difficult to get due to the extremely high number of applicants. There is literally nothing in some of these small towns and villages and so unfortunately drug and alcohol abuse is common place. Unfortunately it’s only getting worse. Many large factories that employed a lot of people in the area are closing down. A lot of high streets now are becoming empty with vacant shops bordered up because they’ve gone out of business. It’s really not a great place especially for young people
Culture also plays a part in this. I'm from Merthyr and although it's got a bad rep I spent some years working in an office in Bridgend and honestly it was like a playground. Adults behaving like children, pickering, being spiteful, being jealous and the only decent ones were very high up and from Cardiff and just looked down at the local populace. A really miserable experience. Sorry to say it but it's easy to blame the world but we really need to fix our culture in Wales. People need to talk to each other properly and encourage the best.
I really enjoy your channel, you guys always have great content/episodes. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the awesome videos 👍