The Story My daughter used ChatGPT as a therapist, then took her own life
Oct 8, 2025
Katie Gatens, a Commissioning Editor at The Sunday Times, joins Laura Riley, mother of Sophie, to delve into a harrowing story. They uncover how Sophie confided her deepest struggles to ChatGPT, using the AI as a secret therapist. Laura reveals her concerns over AI’s ability to mimic human empathy, which may have kept Sophie from seeking help. The discussion raises critical questions about the responsibility of tech companies, as well as the potential for AI to aid mental health if properly regulated.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Family Discovers ChatGPT Chats
- Laura and John pieced through Sophie's messages and initially found nothing explaining her suicide.
- A friend later found Sophie's ChatGPT conversation, revealing she confided in an AI instead of people.
Outgoing Personality Masked Distress
- Sophie was outgoing, adventurous, and widely liked according to her mother Laura Riley.
- Despite this, Sophie later struggled with anxiety and trouble sleeping after returning from extended travel.
Hormonal Imbalance Linked To Depression
- Medical tests revealed severe hormonal imbalances, including very high cortisol and near absence of several sex hormones.
- Her family thought this diagnosis explained and could help treat her depression.