Keywords:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Emerging Borderline Personality Disorder, Neglect, Challenging Behaviour, Drug and Alcohol Misuse, Self-Harm and Suicidal Idealisation
Age 16 years on admission, 21 month placement

The Starting Point

Anastacia was hospitalised for 18 months prior to her coming to the Medusa Project. She has a history of neglect, self harm, overdosing and been diagnosed with post traumatic stress and emerging borderline personality disorders. Anastacia had difficulties with her immediate family and a traumatic relationship with extended family members; she struggled to find a balance to care for herself whilst in these relationships. Anastacia had severe difficulties with boundaries and this would challenge all professionals involved in her care. Professionals often explored other strategies that would keep her safe in the community however; often Anastacia would test these boundaries, which would lead to Anastacia having further hospital admission.

Anastacia was a high risk young person who frequently self-harmed, used drugs and alcohol to manage difficult emotions. Anastacia struggled with her body image and would not allow any photo’s to be taken; she would at times starve herself in order to achieve the body image she desired.

The Achievements

When Anastacia moved into the Medusa Project she was attending college and initially did well with attending classes and completing assignments, but this deteriorated due to Anastacia struggling with change and her post traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Anastacia was frequently admitted to hospital for several months before she was able to explore her experiences and work with the project. Anastacia was used to taking care of others and in this she would often neglect herself. Anastacia struggled with feeling accepted and seen by others but overtime she began to feel safe in a homely environment that the Medusa Project provides for young people. This enabled Anastacia to unlock concealed emotional parts of herself, this new awareness and personal development gave growth to increased self-esteem and self-confidence. Anastacia was able to learn how to nurture herself by mirroring us nurturing her and the other young women in the project.

Anastacia began to slowly appreciate herself and this showed in her growing confidence, she was able to socialise without hiding herself, Anastacia was even able to take part in the project photo’s on special occasions and is more willing to look at her role in relationships; she was able share her feelings, i.e. to say if she was unhappy about something that had effected her, Anastacia began to see Anastacia.

During the last 6 months at the project Anastacia made great achievements, she did not self-harm for several months; was able to talk openly about her feelings and emotions which she had previously struggled with. Anastacia is now more able to rationalise her thoughts and feelings rather than using drugs, alcohol or self-harm to help her cope with difficult feelings and emotions.
Anastacia did return to college the following year which was a huge achievement for her, and is currently studying art level 3.

The Future

Anastacia is now 18 and has recently moved to a less supported 1 bed flat where she receives weekly key working and mental health support. Anastacia was working with a drug and alcohol several months before she moved on from the project and is continuing this work.
Anastacia has a close relationship with the team at the Medusa Project and continues to maintain contact and visits to the project regularly. Anastacia has developed into a confident and optimistic young lady who has a very bright future ahead of her. The team at the Medusa Project are very proud of Anastacia for all the achievements she has made and continues to make.

The Medusa Project have impressed us with their professionalism, competence, transparency, flexibility, can-do approach and the high quality service they deliver for vulnerable young people.

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