I wrote this book mainly to promote counselling which essentially enables people to open up about what’s happened to them, rather than undergo psychiatric ‘treatment’ that shuts them down, silences them and ascribes their suffering to the influence of mysterious labels, with the false promise of ‘a pill for every ill.’
Underlying this theme is the story of how psychiatry silenced me. My approach to patients wasn’t welcome nor appreciated. It still isn’t. There is far too much reliance placed on medication for ‘managing’ painful thoughts and feelings by both psychiatrists and GPs alike, the long term consequences of which can be catastrophic. The narrative about Emotional Wellbeing must change. Suffering is a natural part of the human condition. Psychiatry can damage your health further. Counselling can change lives.
FINDING HUMANITY IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS
A Student Mental Health Nurse’s Experience of Moments of Connection
Mental Health Nursing or Mental Illness Nursing as it used to be called then, is filled with challenges – restraint, medication, endless vigilance. But for me it was also filled with unexpected moments of connection.
Peter was a middle- aged man, diagnosed with ‘paranoid schizophrenia’. He could be unpredictable and his moods were volatile. His clothes were also shabby and in need of repair, so I took the time during my 12 weeks’ placement on this ward, to sew them. No one else had picked up on the fact that he was ashamed of his appearance.
His constant anger and frustration seemed to melt away as the material holes disappeared. This simple act probably did more for him and his wellbeing than all the pills and injections he was forced to take because of being on a Section 3. The latter was a 6 months’ detention which was constantly renewed. He sat by me, peacefully watching me for hours and his gratitude was touching.
I confess that at this time, I too believed in the mysterious labels of the so-called ‘disorders.’ We were brainwashed during our training. However, I also believed in ‘Talking Therapy’ and ultimately, after qualifying, three years later, it became my mission, when I worked in the Day Hospital to empower patients and ‘save’ them from having to be admitted to the wards. Peter, most probably would never be ‘released’ but for a short time, he was so much happier for having that little bit of practical help.
I always advocated for patients and aimed to respect them; help them keep their dignity and regain hope. Eventually that approach would lead to my downfall and abrupt exit from psychiatry. You can read about this and more about the ordinary but wonderful people I met throughout 5 years of my life in the NHS. See:
‘Shut up and keep taking the pills.’ By Hazel Amanda Jones, the story of a student mental health nurse who tried to care for her patients in the face of arrogance, cynicism and indifference.
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Mad in the UK hosts blogs by a diverse group of writers. The opinions expressed are the writers’ own.