Mental health support turns life around

When Andrew Boyles was 18 he started being ill with his mental health and dropped out of a law degree at university.

However, he sought help and he says his counsellor, who works for Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) has saved his life and his career.

Andrew, of Armthorpe, now a police officer in the North Yorkshire Police force, said: “I started being poorly while I was at university four years ago and I dropped out. Initially I was diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depression.”

Then last October Andrew headed to his GP where he was offered the support of RDaSH mental health experts who work in the East Doncaster Primary Care Network, set up as part of a community mental health transformation project.

“I was diagnosed with personality disorder,” said Andrew. “I started therapy with RDaSH and started further counselling sessions through work and took medication.

“It’s all probably saved my life and my career,” he said. “I can now go to work every day and get through, as I deal with some tough things.  I’m not fully recovered but I’m well on the way to getting there. I’m also not stressed out all of the time. The support I’ve received has really helped me.”

Watch Andrew’s story on YouTube (opens in new window).

Published: December 12, 2024