People who use services - Their Stories

Jim's Story

Jim is 50 years of age and has suffered with schizophrenia since he was 23 years old. There was no history of the illness in his immediate family and he neither drank nor took illicit substances.

Jim spent most of his adult life moving from psychiatric hospitals to hostels, experiencing relapses in his mental health.

This was often brought on through Jim not taking his prescribed medication regularly. He would experience hallucinations, mainly voices saying horrible things to him and believed people wanted to hurt him. Because of this he lost contact with his family of whom he became suspicious.

Last year, Jim moved to our residential care home. Following assessment by the care team it became apparent that Jim had no real information or education about his illness or the benefits of taking regular medication. The care team provided Jim with this and over some months worked through a plan of supportive and empowering educational work with Jim.

Over time, Jim's symptoms began to improve due to his medication regime being consistent. As a result, Jim's concentration improved, his hallucinations and delusional beliefs became less intrusive. Jim has now been able to begin voluntary work in a local charity shop. This he feels gives him purpose and re- builds his skills, something that Jim never thought he could achieve. He has recently made contact again with his sister and niece as he has renewed confidence. Jim can now explain how his illness affects him and what he needs to do to stay well. With monitoring and support from the care team, it is hoped he will move out of our home and re-gain an independent life once more.

My Experience - Andy, Resident

Hello, my name is Andy.

I am 45 years old and I have schizophrenia.

I have never attacked anyone or hurt anyone. I do not have a split personality. I have never been locked up. I have never taken illegal drugs.

When I was at school I did not know what I wanted to do when I left. I was good at sport and thought I might become a P.E teacher. Eventually I ended up at university but just as I was taking my final exams, I became quite poorly.

I did not realize it at first. I started to have strong feelings that people were out to get me, following me, and I would hear noises when I could not see anyone around. The noises became voices telling me I was bad and someone wanted to hurt me. As my exams approached this got worse. I ended up taking an overdose because I wanted to just get rid of the voices for a bit. I did not want to die but did not know what else to do.

I was admitted to hospital and received treatment which was mostly medication and shock treatment. This helped a bit but left me very depressed. Back then in the 1980's if you were mentally ill you got hidden away. People were frightened of you so gave you medication that left you unable to move. It was horrible.
I have spent over half my life going in and out of hospitals and hostels.
I have not been able to get employment, have had financial problems and lost friends and relationships. I have had my choices taken away because of society's attitude.

The Government decided to close big mental hospitals by the 1990's. This changed my life.
I met Beth in 2002. She came to assess me because she thought she might help me to improve my life. I moved to a care home where I was treated with respect, listened to and allowed to make my own decisions.
Beth and her team helped to motivate me, taught me how to manage my mental health and introduced me to important life skills.

I now have a part time job which has improved my life once more and I am about to move into my own flat. I never thought this would happen.

I do not know at school what I wanted to do when I left. I certainly would not have chosen the path life gave me, but I am glad I have had support from Beth and her team to make my life better. Maybe some of you might think about choosing a career that helps people like me. I hope so because I am so glad for people like Beth and her team.

Thankyou,

Andy.