My Mental Health Experience

I first became aware of mental health when I was a child. A family member had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had been sectioned twice. I visited the psychiatric unit many times and recall the many different individuals that were sectioned here. The psychiatric unit allowed patients to wander freely within the grounds, and I was able to interact with other people. What was striking to me as a young child was that none of the individuals I encountered showed obvious signs of mental illness; I realised that not all mental health conditions are apparent; even to the person suffering.
Since then I have had the pleasure of looking after three family members, two of whom are currently based in a facility that allows patients to be independent but still have 24 hour care when needed. This family member has manic depression and is elderly so has lack of mobility, I usually help with dressing and meal preparations as well as listening and socialising with her. The second family member also has limited mobility, I have helped redress wounds, check medication but have not administered. Again general cleaning and food preparation was also involved. The third family member who has schizophrenia, needed a voice of reason and reassurance, more so than
Whilst working here I gained a wealth of experience in communication and dealing with all types of individuals from different backgrounds and communities. I developed a bond with some of the regulars and really felt that I got on very well with the older generation. Every week we would host a gathering for the local disability centre. The gathering would usually be a socialising event between individuals with learning disabilities, to allow them more independence. This allowed me to recognise the difference between mental health and learning disabilities; but often find that these two paths can sometimes cross over and be