Reading that you first gave this talk 10 years ago and that not much has changed is both true and appalling. I've only worked as a psychiatrist in London, where resources are also stretched, but it sounds worse where you are. People with mental illness (I hate the coy 'mental health problems') have the right to appropriate and timely treatment, and support. They need well-educated staff and compassionate care. They need enough money to live on, and the opportunity to work if they can. They need opportunities to learn, to a social life, in fact, as you say, to all the things that make life worth living. Too often I've seen people 'written off' and discharged from services prematurely. But I have also seen carefully thought out and productive plans that have helped people rebuild their lives. And that always starts with listening and respect. There should indeed be more listening and less presumption of doctor/CPN knows best.
Reading that you first gave this talk 10 years ago and that not much has changed is both true and appalling. I've only worked as a psychiatrist in London, where resources are also stretched, but it sounds worse where you are. People with mental illness (I hate the coy 'mental health problems') have the right to appropriate and timely treatment, and support. They need well-educated staff and compassionate care. They need enough money to live on, and the opportunity to work if they can. They need opportunities to learn, to a social life, in fact, as you say, to all the things that make life worth living. Too often I've seen people 'written off' and discharged from services prematurely. But I have also seen carefully thought out and productive plans that have helped people rebuild their lives. And that always starts with listening and respect. There should indeed be more listening and less presumption of doctor/CPN knows best.
Thank you so much for that lovely thoughtful comment and also for reminding me that things can be so much better
This is absolutely brilliant Graham thank you x
Thank you so much Vicky
God this made me cry. Thanks so much for sharing this Graham and thanks so much for spreading the word. X
Thank you. Are tears sometimes a good thing?!
Yes definitely.
Thanks for sharing. A lot of times not been listened to at Dr's. ❤️