Dennis wrote this article for the Rethink Co. Durham Newsletter. Here, he talks about Manic Depression from the carer’s point of view.

In the beginning there was nothing, I knew nothing and I didn’t want to know, so what was there already, have changes been made. I was on a learning curve, in a passage of time, what is this mental health all about, Care, Containment, understanding.

Over 25 years ago there was no qualifications or training, just like politicians you had to be there. No help from the establishment (I didn’t think they were particularly well versed in their approach to be helpful – a little scared of breaching rules or confidentiality or some such thing). But I was there, I got the Job. No Pay. No Holidays, No Help   – all the blame, inflexible working hours 24 hours 365 days, find or fend for yourself, find your own information, you start now.

How things have changed with the advent of modern technology and information. The analysis of famous historical figures where it is suggested that some of their remarkable achievements were due to an inspiration in mental abberation. This together with the courage of many prominent people able and willing to write, talk and recount the numerous incidents which befall those who have a mental illness condition or breakdown; and to bring to the general public that a sufferer of a mental health problem is just as valuable a person as everyone else and can contribute to society. Times are definitely changing -  official organisations and bodies, first-line staff are now on a very common sense approach and like us all the best we can do is not yet good enough. We must be better in supplying Hope, Compassion and Love.

Advertisement