mental health

[Connemmara]

Does anybody recover from serious mental problems. My sister's best friend who was so light-hearted and positive all her life has suddenly developed mental problems because of the loss of her uncle, sudden demise of her mother and was also the carer of these people as well as her immediate family which consisted of a husband and 3 boys. Nobody knows what has happened to her and now she is in a very victorian institution. Can she be helped. Her husband is taking it very badly as her friends around her. I can only pray for her. Do you know anybody who has recovered from this terrible disease. She is only 58

[andy-hughes]

Yes, I have.

I had a complete mental breakdwon when I was thirty-five, I was in a similar Victorian institution (the care is very modern though!) for three months, a year off work, and now, medication for life.

Severe trauma such as that suffered by sister's friend is a serious issue, but modern psychiatry and mdeicines are increasingly sophisticated. With correct medication, therapy and counselling, she will get her personality back, and slowly make her way back to the world.

The Victorians had the right idea - 'assylum' means a place of safetly and I had good rewason to be thankful for the tranquil secure grounds in which my hospital was set. At a time when crossing a road would have got me run over instantly, either as a suicide, or because I was incapable of assimilating something as complex as crossing a road, I was able to wander for hours in peaceful grounds with no danger of either getting run over, or bothered by the outside world.

The Government have, of course, sold the hospital, a wonderful Victorian institution which is now luxury flats, and the grounds, which are a housing estate, so I feel for the poor souls who cannot enjoy the peace and quit I had to aid my recovery.

Be patient, and this lady will get better, but it takes time, love, care, and treatment.

Hope this helps.

[Connemmara]

thanks for that andy-hughes - will take copy of your reply and give it to my sister - glad you have recovered from this awful disease and glad you are doing well. There are so many people like you out there and dont perhaps get the wonderul care you received. Good wishes to you!!

[andy-hughes]

Thank you for your kind words.

I have to say I am very lucky, I am seriously mentally strong - the psychiatrists expressed surpise at the speed of my personal recovery, so do allow some extra time for the lady in question, some take longer than others.

I am sure with the obvious lovev and support from yourself and her family, she will soon be back with you again.

[andy-hughes]

For the lady's husband and family - stress to them that recovery will come, they just need to support her as much as possible.

As part of her condition she will hate herself, and that means making sure people close to her hate her as well, and that leads to seriolusly bad behaviour!

Tell her husband to remember at all times, it is her illness that is making her so hostile - she will get her personality back and come back to him, he just needs to be strong.

It takes time, but it does happen - trust me.

Best always,

A.

[wolf63]

It is important that you and the people around your sister's friend realise that there is no shame to be attached to mental illness. I suffer from manic depression and will openly tell people this - like you would tell somebody that your had asthma/epilepsy etc.

Most people have either suffered severe mental illness or know of somebody close to them that has.

I have been unlucky to have continuing ill-health but most people suffer only one 'blip' and then can regain their health. It will take time and patience but she will get better.

I wish all of you well.

[Connemmara]

wish you well wolf63 and God be with you at all times.