I would like to share our story and the progress we have made whilst we tred on our Rocky road for Mental health help, and support. And solely for us, or you as a Mental health Clients. A Mother Gaurdian, Famiy members, and relatives, Living in Essex, and The London Borough of Redbridge Area. That are being treated now, or previously at Goodmayes Mental Health Hospital Barley Lane. For you to also share some of the good, and bad, Experiences you have encountered along the way. If you would like to be able to share your story have your say, together with us, and others. My Son Paul and Myself. Brenda, his Mum and Guardian.
Paul before his mental health started to deteriate: (2020):
Paul now in 2022.
Paul whom is now 50yrs. And was diagnosed with Schizophrenia when he was 28. That was when Paul first showed the signs of paranoia, at our home, in Woodford Bridge. He was eventually Sectioned into Goodmayes Mental Hospital in Barley Lane Essex. He followed another year later with a complete cycotic breakdown. So, from then it was diagnosed as Schizophrenia, because he had suffered 2 cycotic events very quickly, and did so continuously each year for the next six years. Mainly due to receiving care in the community, also for not taking his medication, always saying that he no longer needed to take it, there was nothing wrong with him, he would tell me. It was us that were Mad.! So, then sectioning would follow. His last cycotic breakdown was in 20-06. When care in the community had not long been inforced by the government. And the Mental Health Acts. It was so terribly debilitating on Paul's health, waiting on the Mental Health Act. of sectioning. Was only to be when they showed signs of being a harm to themselves, Or the public.Until then it would be a long drawn out process of weeks, that he would eventually be sectioned. Paul being more of a danger to himself, in that time, that you would have to wait for help, before being treated again in Goodmayes Hospital. The last time he was admitted in to Goodmayes Hospital in about 20-07. He became so poorly, and cycotic, in that time, that Paul had to go into a Rehabilitation house in the grounds of Goodmayes. (which has now been sold off.) Paul had to completely relearn to do everything from Hygiene, cooking, cleaning, to managing his money. Mainly because he had been left for so long unwell, even all those years ago. All of the Goodmayes grounds were equipped with many ward's and help. ( Now they are all gone Sold off.) I would be invited to a monthly meeting on the ward, with all the staff involved in his recovery. I was told of Paul's progress and the atmosphere was friendly, and helpful, I would spend alot of time with Paul visiting, and would be welcomed.(not the case now) when Paul went into the Rehabilitation House. I was met by the Dr. In charge of him and his care plan. She told me none of the clients ever return to here after they leave. I remember now looking back, Paul had gotten into so many dangerous situations over that 6yrs span. It was so exhausting a mind shatteting trail of terrible experiences. I found myself praying "Lord" please either help him to get better. Or take him. If anyone can relate to that pain as a parent to have to go through with them being so unwell. I was also alot younger then and lucky enough, to be of a very strong person, but it was both a shattering, and a cruel prossess for their mental state. also ours, to have to go through the system with them. Well "Halalulia" my prayers were answered. For the next 17yrs. Paul never returned again with a breakdown. When he became well enough, Paul was housed temporarily in a shared house with 2 other gentlemen in Barkingside. And was allocated a day Carer named Rashpell. She was Marvelous with him and would take him out. She taught him to shop, save Also, look after himself and his home inviroment. She also sorted out all his depts that he had incurred, mainly fitness clubs he had joined and had not continued to use them, but still paying monthly direct debits. Eventually Rashpell moved on. Paul and I will always be eternally grateful to her for all she had done for him. Paul eventually moved into his studio Bungalow in Hainault and has lived there for 15yrs now. He has lived a good life As best he could with Schizophrenia. He can sing he loved karaoki, and can sing just like Elvis Pressley. I was so grateful of that time, happy for him to be enjoying his freedom of life. Music being his greatest passion and a pint in the pub. Until 20-20 when COVID hit almost everyone." That isolation period". I belive also Contributed to his Mental state. And now, Skipping ahead a little. He still is so isolated and hardly want's to see anyone now Paul has now been sectioned for the 5th time in three years. Due to have been sent out to early each time he has been admitted. And the complete lack of reliable Care from the North home team, and Mental Health support available.This time I am still waiting for a date when Adult social services will come to access him, the same as before in March, When they all arrived, along with a police car with 5 policemen inside the car, a lock Smith, and a Ambulance. I feel some of it is just to intimidate them. Then they all accend into Paul's home, all their presence surrounding him, when he is already terrified of his own shadow. All because he had been left in there several weeks in a cycotic state. It makes me shudder now to think of it. I dread the very Act of The Sectioning proccess. From Social Services, attending then to tell him we won't be taking you today. I had to literally beg them please don't leave him in there. Please take him, Whilst the Ambulance is also waiting outside, I had already lost so much sleep over him, every time I layed my head on my pillow at night. I would cry thinking of the state of him in that Bungalow. Ever since Paul has had Schizophrenia. I've always made sure I'm there waiting out side in my car for Sectioning, Most of thoes times its been a good job that i was outside waiting. I think the sectioning Act. Also, the Mental health Acts. Is the most degrading, intimidating, Inumane, prossess. The most Soul destroying Act for families, and the Clients.That any human being could of thought up, in this scheme called life. A dog wouldn't be treated this way, In this day and age, I will never change my mind on the fact that they are both, ignored, and treated inhumanely, by The Mental Health Act. also, Goodmays. And Melmead House The Home Care Team. So, the wheel turn's again back to the same teatment and situation's of all of thoes years before. Almost being told you are nothing, because the Mental Health Act protects Paul's privacy rights, also at a time when his inability to make the right decisions at that time. Whom has all the hard work of coping with Mental Health in a family.?; Us.The Gaurdians, Father's, mother's, and family members. It can feel at that time, that we are all so alone. To share or offer Advice and support to each other helps ease our Pain. HealthThe effect it also has on yourself, and family. Just a quick thought.!! when Paul was Sectioned last time in April 20- 23. Before that, I had been writing, ringing, services that would help us. Or all that i thought could help over the past 3years. I was told by a staff member, of a professional service."You Carry on advocating for your son, Another one said you must keep on complaining Brenda other wise nobody knows of the failings out there, That is what helped me,nand gave me the strength to keep on going to revitalise myself, my energy, then to keep on going in spite of. I believe they also knew without actually being able to say, that we were being failed. And that is what we must all do together. Bless You all.
Regards Brenda & Paul
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