Overworked TV producer who made true crime documentaries about murderers and paedophiles took his own life after developing crippling 'chronic migraines and insomnia', inquest told

An overworked television producer who made true crime documentaries about murderers and paedophiles took his own life after struggling with 'chronic migraines' 'insomnia' and work-related stress, an inquest heard. The inquest, held in Maidstone, Kent, heard Mr Balson worked long hours - often across different time zones - producing true crime documentaries for the likes of Netflix and Channel 4. John Balson, a 40-year-old freelancer, took his own life after leaving a letter for his family detailing his struggles with mental health and overworking, an inquest heard An inquest heard the dad - who was expecting a second child at the time of his death last year - had desperately sought help for extreme migraines he began experiencing The inquest, held in Maidstone, Kent, heard Mr Balson worked long hours - often across different time zones - producing true crime documentaries for the likes of Netflix and Channel 4 Despite several consultations, prescribed medication and two stints in A&E, Mr Balson continued to suffer a daily physical and mental torment he described as like 'having a hot knife in his head all day'. Mr Balson's inquest, attended by his wife, Yumeno Niimura, and his mother Margaret, heard he took his own life on May 17 last year Mr Balson worked as a producer for Channel 4 and Netflix making true crime documentaries His medical notes report there being bruises on his head due to him 'banging a bottle against it in distress'. Mr Balson desperately sought help from several medical professionals, including his GP and neurology and psychiatry experts Before falling ill, he was working on a new series of In the Footsteps of Killers - a true crime series hosted by criminologist Professor David Wilson and Silent Witness actor Emilia Fox commissioned by Channel 4 and production company Alaska TV My Hatch told Mr Balson's inquest: 'I'm left with no alternative rather than to conclude the death of John was due to suicide.