Daughter desperate to be kept safe before she took her own life, says mum
Carla Heaton, 22, died on a mental health ward after developing tics
Last updated 15 hours ago
The mother of a 22-year-old woman who took her own life whilst on a mental health ward in Wiltshire has told an inquest that her daughter had begged to be kept safe.
Carla Heaton died at Sandalwood Court on 21st November 2022, after her mental health deteriorated and she developed tics.
Her mum, Naomi Lawrence, told an 11 person jury at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroners Court in Salisbury that the tics, which included headbutting objects nearby, inappropriate language, and punching herself.
In her statement, she revealed that Carla had struggled with an eating disorder, where she counted calories, as a teenager, and had also been sexually assaulted by a family friend when she was 14.
The court heard how Carla had developed tics following the conviction of a person close to her, which lead her to worry about its impact on her job as a Nursery practitioner, which she "loved".
As the tics worsened, Carla overdosed on medication and made numerous visits to A&E, before admitting herself to Sandalwood Court.
Whilst on the Applewood Ward, she made several attempts to take her own life, as well as asking for something soft to be put between her hands and face to ease the pain from her tics.
Ms Lawrence told the court that Carla had raised concerns for her safety at Sandlewood Court, telling her that Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership staff had told Carla that she needed to "take responsibility" for her safety.
Following Ms Lawrence's evidence, the court was shown a video of Carla reciting a poem that she'd written about her tics and how they affected her life.
In the video, injuries caused by the tics were visible, while she spoke of how she wanted to live life without them.
A consultation that lasted three minutes
Carla was diagnosed with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder, which can affect how a person feels about themselves and others, and cause mood swings, impulsive behaviour and make keeping steady relationships challenging.
She was referred to Dr Graham Lennox, a neurological specialist at Great Western Hospital, for consultation.
Ms Lawrence said Carla was "excited to start treatment", but sadly the meeting was disastrously wrong.
In her statement to the court, she said the meeting lasted three minutes, claiming Dr Lennox had said that Carla needed to "just tell me want you want me to do", citing the fact that it was a hot day.
She also claimed that Dr Lennox had dismissed the tics as rude behaviour and a social media trend.
Speaking to the court, Dr Lennox explained that the tics were connected to trend of similar issues linked to the social media platform, TikTok, with other patients exhibiting behaviour that was similar.
He admitted to regretting how badly the meeting had gone, apologising to the family.
He explained that Carla had Functional Tic-Like Behaviour, saying it is commonly connected with other mental health issues.
He added that functional tics can be "highly disabling" to the person experiencing them and cannot be treated with medication that might be prescribed for Tourette like conditions.
The inquest continues.