Depression, anxiety, PTSD and suicidal thoughts: Post Office victims speak out
More than 75% of former subpostmasters affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal reported experiencing significant health issues as a result, according to the latest findings from the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s listening project, In Your Own Words.
The victims of the scandal suffered from a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts, with some even attributing severe medical conditions such as strokes, diabetes, and heart problems to the stress caused by the scandal.
These individuals were part of what is now considered the most extensive miscarriage of justice in UK history, which impacted thousands of former subpostmasters and Post Office branch workers. Many were wrongly prosecuted based on faulty evidence from the Post Office’s Horizon computer system, leading to financial ruin and significant emotional distress.
Over 300 people shared their experiences with the listening project, highlighting the devastating impact of the scandal on their lives.
Human devastation
The report underscores the human suffering caused by the Post Office’s attempt to conceal issues with the Horizon IT system, which was introduced in 2000 and led to widespread account discrepancies for subpostmasters and their staff.
One respondent described the constant stress and anxiety brought on by the faulty machine, leading to sleepless nights and financial worries. The lack of trust in the system designed to support their work eroded their confidence and mental well-being.
The constant struggle with the faulty machine created immense stress and anxiety. The feeling of being unable to trust the very system designed to support our work eroded our confidence and mental well-being
Post Office victim
Years later, individuals continue to suffer from the traumatic events, including aggressive audits by the Post Office and the resulting emotional breakdowns.
One respondent shared their experience of suffering from flashbacks, a mental breakdown, and hospitalization due to stress-induced health issues. The emotional toll of these events has been long-lasting, with some individuals undergoing therapy to cope with the aftermath.
Mental scars
Common mental health issues among victims include ADHD, PTSD, depression, and adjustment disorder, leading to challenges in various aspects of daily life.
One individual highlighted struggles with time management, social situations, and confrontations, while another shared their experience of being under psychiatric care due to schizophrenic episodes.
The impact of the scandal extended beyond mental health, with one mother revealing how the stress caused her to neglect her children and ultimately led to a miscarriage.
The stress began to turn to depression again and my partner put up with several years of me wanting to commit suicide
Post Office victim
Relationships were strained, leading to estrangement and severe health issues for some individuals. The toll on mental and physical well-being has been profound, with some individuals contemplating suicide and experiencing significant emotional distress.
Leila Pilgrim, secretary to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the human cost of the scandal and the need for support for those affected.
Family impact
The first report from the In Your Own Words listening project highlighted the impact of the scandal on personal relationships, with nearly two-thirds of individuals reporting strain on their family life.
Children of former subpostmasters also experienced bullying, financial difficulties, and mental health challenges as a result of the scandal.
The mental stress caused by the scandal has had devastating consequences, with reports indicating that some individuals took their own lives due to the treatment they received from the Post Office.
The Post Office Horizon scandal was first exposed by Computer Weekly in 2009, shedding light on the struggles faced by subpostmasters and the flaws in the accounting software.
