A 21-YEAR-OLD Borders woman who feels let down by NHS Borders’ mental health services, says she has since found salvation in a local charity.

Gwyneth Hume, who lives in Kelso, told the Border Telegraph how the trauma of a car crash two years ago left her suffering regular seizures and memory loss. She said the physical and mental strains became too much, and she spent six months recovering in hospital.

On being discharged, Gwyneth still felt low, and regularly experienced suicidal thoughts. 

After seeing her GP, she was referred to a psychological nurse. 

She claims that, when she told him she ‘didn’t want to be here anymore’, he replied: “Well hopefully you’ll be alive by your next appointment.”

Gwyneth said: “It made me feel stupid and worthless.”

Things got steadily worse until last year, when she tried to take her own life. 

After being admitted to the BGH, she said she was made to feel as if her situation wasn’t serious.  “There was no support available when I was discharged, and my parents were absolutely distraught.”

A few months later, Gwyneth made a second attempt on her life. She said: “I had to be put on a ventilator. I was clinging on for dear life.”

After being moved into intensive care, she underwent a psychological evaluation, and was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

The symptoms of BPD include extreme emotional swings and self-harming tendencies.

Gwyneth added: “When I was admitted to Huntlyburn for the second time, a psychiatrist told me that, due to my diagnosis, NHS guidelines meant that I would only be under their care for a week before being discharged. 

“They were happy to send me home, despite the fact I had tried to kill myself, ending up in a critical condition a week earlier.”

In response to the criticisms, an NHS Borders spokesperson said: “The care and treatment of all of our patients is a priority for us.

“Whilst we cannot comment in public on individual cases because of patient confidentiality, we take feedback very seriously.

“We would encourage any patients with concerns to discuss them with their care team or let us know via our Feedback and Complaints Department.”

Since leaving NHS Borders’ care, which Gwyneth describes as “a really negative experience”, she has found salvation in a Melrose-based mental health charity, One Step Borders.

The charity supports 16-25-year olds who struggle with their mental health.

Gwyneth has been using the free service for around three months and believes it has greatly helped.

The charity allows volunteers and case workers to cater to the individual’s specific needs.

Funded in part by the National Lottery and the Volunteer Action Fund, One Step Borders was set up in 2015 by Alex Kennedy.

Alex said: “We do a lot of outreach work and group work outside, where young people can be around people their own age, socialise and enjoy life.

“The focus is on not letting illnesses define who people are.”

The team at One Step Borders is also very grateful for its 19 volunteers, who range from teachers to photographers and mental health workers.

Alex added: “The volunteers focus on what the individual is asking for – there is no set period of time in the service.

 “I’m not trying to improve on the NHS, our service is an additional thing – something that isn’t on offer.”

Alex said he and his colleagues at One Step Borders are passionate about the cause.

He said: “None of us earn that much money, we could earn more in other places. We choose to do this because we believe in the service we provide.”

Reflecting on the last two years, Gwyneth concluded: “I’ve been through a very tough time and, although it’s really hard opening up, I wanted to share my story to help break down stigmas surrounding BPD and other mental illnesses.

“I am still being seen by a member of the team at One Step Borders, who is doing an incredible job supporting me. 

“My diagnosis does not define me. The world is ever changing, so why should our views on mental health not?”