An old social media post shows wife of former Scotland rugby player Scott Hastings wild swimming in the exact same spot where she went missing in Edinburgh, as her family revealed that she had been suffering from mental health struggles.
Jenny Hastings, 60, had shared an image on X back in March of her swimming in Wardie Bay, Edinburgh on a clear and sunny day.
But on Tuesday afternoon she vanished after going for a group swim in the same location.
The Hastings family said they were ‘absolutely heartbroken’ at the news, adding that Jenny had ‘struggled with her mental health for a number of years’.
A massive search was launched in Wardie Bay by boat and helicopter, but unable to find her, rescuers were stood down after a few hours.
In an emotional statement on Wednesday, her devastated family said her loss would leave a ‘gaping hole in all of our hearts’.
The mother-of-two had made attempts on her life before and the Hastings family said this week’s disappearance was ‘being treated as a high risk missing person case’.
They added: ‘As many of you know Jenny struggled with her mental health for a number of years and ultimately she was unable to cope on this occasion.
‘She swam out into the Firth of Forth from Wardie Bay in Edinburgh and it appears that she wished to end her suffering in what was a regular and healing place for her.
‘She loved the water but unfortunately her mind was not in a place of safety.
‘The Hastings family are absolutely heartbroken.’
Mrs Hastings has previously spoken out about her long-standing battle with severe depression.
She has suffered the illness all of her adult life, and previously made attempts on her own life.
The couple had previously revealed she attempted suicide by eating nuts in an attempt to trigger a severe allergy with Mr Hastings having to administer an adrenaline shot to save her life.
They also revealed she once ‘panicked and bolted’ and, over 36 hours, walked for around 25 miles from Leith to the Pentland Hills before going to a police station.
She had no phone with her and did not make contact as her husband desperately searched for her.
Opening up about the incident, Mrs Hastings: ‘It’s awful to think about that, but the reality is I just wanted to get away.
‘I wanted to be alone. I didn’t think anyone wanted me around anymore. It’s just awful, it’s an awful illness.’
She has campaigned to end the stigma over mental health and encourage those suffering with poor mental health to take active steps to improve their well-being.
In 2017, she spearheaded the 100 Streets Challenge in support of Support in Mind, with husband and rugby star Scott Hastings.
The aim was for people to walk, jog, or cycle 100 streets, to encourage outdoor activity.
‘I know I can talk with people and maybe that’s one of the messages we are trying to get out,’ Ms Hastings said about the challenge.
‘We all can talk with people. The stigma is definitely breaking down – even the Royals are talking about mental health.’
Pinned on the top of her X account, Mrs Hastings has a post advocating for mental health.
‘Let’s support one another with out mental health. Together we can #endthestigma’, her caption reads.
Mr Hastings is one of Scotland’s greatest players, winning 65 caps for his country and representing the British and Irish Lions twice.
He had previously described his wife’s disappearances as a form of self harming.
Speaking in 2017, Mr Hastings said: ‘It’s clinical depression. Being an illness, it just happens.
‘I am in awe of Jenny because it’s extraordinary her capacity to talk about it, and also when she is so low it’s very difficult to encourage her to do anything.
‘She suffers lack of self respect, low self esteem, exhaustion, low energy levels but somehow she is able to turn it around and through walking, swimming, yoga and getting out of the building she is able to get over it.
‘We have had three very acute episodes over the last three years but each time you learn a little bit more.’
For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support