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Stories Narrative research project stories Out of Prison
Stories Narrative research project stories Out of Prison
Out of Prison |
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activism | bereavement | community/socialising/inclusion | hospital | nervous breakdown | self knowledge/learning/growth | sense of self | stigma/discrimination | taking control | volunteering
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Published: December 2005 This story highlights how internal personal strength, self-determination, perseverance and a positive attitude have aided recovery. A turning point for me was about three years ago, when I went into hospital. I had quite a lot of things going on, my wee niece had just died and my brother was in prison. I was the one who put my brother in prison, because I knew what he was up to and I just thought it was the right thing to do. So I ended up in hospital with a severe breakdown. I think a lot of my mental health problems are to do with what my brother had done and with the media and the way people have treated me. I feel that even though it’s my brother who has been in a proper prison - he’s been in for fourteen years and a further five years now – that I’ve also been in prison, but that I’ve been in a different kind prison than his. While I was in the hospital I got a telephone call; I had applied for a Millennium Award and there was a woman on the telephone to tell me that I had been awarded the Millennium Award and did I still want it even though I was in hospital? I was so excited that I was like, “Oh yes, I really want to do it.” The lady who gave me the award was very nice, she sees everybody as equal and she never took me as having mental health problems. She treated me like an individual and made me feel comfortable. I think because she was so nice to me and didn’t judge me it helped me a lot. I still do some work for her now because she gets me to tell my story about being in hospital, getting the Millennium Award and about what I did. I think what has changed for me is that I’ve learned to deal with my mental health in different ways. I feel one of the reasons why I’ve got a lot better now is because I’m a very determined person. I’m involved in quite a lot of groups in my area, and I find that when I use my own talents I get a lot out of the groups. For me, when I get a lot out of something it makes me feel good about myself and it makes me feel good that I’ve been able to help someone else. 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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