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Stories Narrative research project stories One Day at a Time
Stories Narrative research project stories One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time |
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hospital | male | money | negative attitudes of service providers | peer support (informal) and befriending | sense of self | spirituality | support from family | support from friends | support from mental health professionals | taking control | talking therapies | volunteering
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Published: September 2005 This story highlights how support from a befriender and from professionals such as Occupational therapists, psychiatrists, and CPN’s can influence recovery. I just treat it like a normal part of life now, having mental health issues and being a psychiatric patient. I go to a day hospital one day a week and see my psychiatrist and the CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) fairly regularly, but I haven’t been admitted to hospital since 2001, which is good for me. I liked the idea of getting a bigger picture of what was going on for myself, and thought that having a psychiatrist would allow me to explore my life story, but that doesn’t happen much. I’ve very little to show for 8 or 9 years of psychiatric care. In the nineties I got into a fair bit of trouble. I was admitted to hospital in handcuffs by the police once and stayed for 18 months. In hospital there is a division between staff and patients that needs to be learned and understood…and then at some point unlearned. For me getting out of hospital was the start of the recovery process. It’s hard to leave that structure and social contact with other patients. I could have done with more preparation for fending for myself again. I would like to see more of a psychiatric outreach service rather than bringing people into an institution to be ‘processed’. When my girlfriend got pregnant it floored me. My daughter is 8 now and I’m in regular contact with her. I find personal relationships difficult, there’s no rulebook. I’m seeing a psychologist to help improve my relationship skills. A holiday abroad in 2003 was a big turning point for me. The structure and routine of the day and the social contact gave me some of the things I missed from being in hospital. But it was very gentle which for me was a big change from admission to hospital. I measure my recovery in terms of distance from the psychiatric system. It’s about being put back into the pond of ‘normal’ society outwith hospital and how well you can survive there. There’s a confidence that comes with turning the corner, it builds on all the good things that people have told you and that you have told yourself. Different things are helpful at different times, like family and personal friendships, time alone and professional support. I have a community occupational therapist and a befriender as well as the medical staff I already mentioned. I’ve had verbal abuse in the streets but I just discuss it later with the CPN. Talking to people is one of my main strategies; it’s just the fact that they are there that is the help. Communication of all kinds is very important - it’s not so much what you say as being able to express yourself. My faith in God and reading the scriptures also makes all the difference in the world. Money is a big issue for me. When I’m in debt I get ill and when I’ve got money in the bank I’m fine, or at least that’s how it seems. I’ve just about managed to do a college course before, and recently I’ve had my first successful work experience. I do need to find a way of earning a living but right now I’m just happy to be alive. This story was written based on this individuals interview for the SRNs narrative research project entitled, 'Recovering Mental Health in Scotland'. More information about the project can be found in the Narrative Research Project section of our website www.scottishrecovery.net. If you’d like to share your own experience of recovery please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 0141 240 7790 to discuss. Click here to go back to previous page |
Story Tags
activism community/socialising/inclusion coping strategies creativity depression employment (+) exercise female hospital male medication medication (-) peer support (informal) and befriending seeing things differently self knowledge/learning/growth self management sense of self support from family support from friends support from mental health professionals supportive spouse/partner taking control talking therapies voluntary mental health services volunteering Story disclaimer
The stories presented here are for information only. They are meant to inspire hope and show that recovery can and does happen. The stories highlight various examples of recovery and we do not advocate any of these experiences as the ‘right’ way to recover. Recovery is an individual and unique process, each person must decide for himself or herself what will work for them. Please carefully consider any decisions you make about your own recovery and consult with someone you trust if you feel unsure. See our Submit Your Thoughts pages for details on how to submit a story to us or you can contact us.
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