"The love and warmth I feel will be with me forever"

I've been in and out of mental health services in Somerset since 2004 at the age of 14 (I began self harming at 12 years old). Life happened and I received a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder in April 2018. I suffered with depression and anxiety all my life however, and when things became tough for my loved ones, I was admitted to Rydon Ward 2 in May then St Andrews Ward in June. Every individual I have worked with has shown me an amazing sensitivity and compassion in hospital, with an endless stream of positive support and patience. I am lucky in that I have a great ability to articulate my struggles with my emotions and each and every member of staff has listened with attention despite my ups and downs. I finally feel heard and understood and the level of effort they have each given in their own way has improved my perspective despite my mental ups and downs. They have saved my life!

The only downside is I worry for other individuals who either cannot or feel unmotivated or have had harsh experiences in mental health services and do not have trust and may or may not be justified. I have had time to contemplate and have a second chance at life. I was lucky enough to celebrate the NHS's 70th birthday under their care- and who knows where I would have been 71 years ago? All the staff at Rydon 2 and St Andrews deserve recognition for their work and the love and warmth I feel is endless and will be with me forever.