A mother-of-one who spent years seeking help for her mental health condition took her own life only days before Christmas.
Casey Thornhill, 21, was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, a mental health disorder that impacts the way a person feels and thinks.
The condition causes problems functioning in daily life, and includes difficulty managing behavior and emotions.
Rachel Jackson, a family friend, has set up a memorial fund to help Ms. Thornill’s 3-year-old son.
“She was a lovely person, vibrant and full of life. She had some really good friends and most of all she was a fantastic mum,” Rachel said.
“I lived opposite her mum so watched Casey grow up. She had troubles from being a teenager. Her mum Julia fought to get her the right help and Casey did too once she became an adult.
“She was eventually diagnosed with BPD, borderline personality disorder, and since then she has been fighting for the right treatment,” Rachel continued.
“She had just started treatment before her death, but obviously it was just too late for her.
“At the time she was in a really good place and recently had her nails done and bought Christmas PJs for the family.
“But one thing that people don’t realise with BPD is that changes can happen really quickly.”
Ms. Thornhill leaves behind her 3-year-old son Noah and her boyfriend.
Her heartbroken mother, Julia Guest, said she wants to raise awareness of BPD so others suffering from the condition can get immediate help.
Some of BPD’s symptoms include impulsive behavior, intense fear of abandonment, ongoing feelings of emptiness, rapid changes in self-image and self-identity, suicidal threats or self-injury, and unstable relationships with other people.
“We found out on Wednesday night and it really upset us,” Rachel expressed. “There’s not much you can do in this situation so we thought that we would set up a fundraiser that will help Noah in the future.
“We also wanted to help raise understanding of the illness. Casey wanted help, she knew she was ill and she just wanted to be okay for Noah.
“But the illness can make things happen really quickly and suddenly. It really was a tragic ending.”
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