"The amazing care from the community mental health team"

I have been a patient for 10 years. Every member of staff there cannot be more helpful and compassionate.

Helen was my Community Psychiatric Nurse for around 3 years. Looking back, that woman’s patience is outstanding. I would get stuck in my ways a lot, going round in circles. I would be depressed and anxious and I never quite knew why.

In the last couple of years it’s begun to make sense. Helen’s compassion and understanding made me feel safe. I had someone to trust and confide in while I was in a miserable situation. I was being controlled by others and I was gently encouraged to find my strength. I have more than I thought. Helen was so tactful and immensely clever in the way she handled such a delicate situation.

I acknowledge it came from me but without Helen’s support I would have been a whole lot more lost and things might have stayed the same for a lot longer. A genuine person who I look up to as a role model. So professional and with boundaries, yet such a wonderful warmth. I never felt like there was a barrier. Her open and honest approach earned my trust. That takes impeccable skill. She always ensured I had the best treatment possible and advocated for me at times I lost my voice. Her observation skills and attention to the finer details of the huge web of my mind made me feel so understood.

Declan took over from Helen when she was fantastically promoted. Declan has been a very steady, kind and understanding nurse. He can really tap into how I feel and helps me put into words the things that are mixed up in my head. The reassurance and compassion he has given me has meant so much to me. I really appreciate it when I need to speak to someone from the team and he is available. It’s such a relief.

Dr Innes has been my doctor for many years and always takes the time to help. She is thorough, careful, kind, really listens to me and respects my wishes. I appreciate her plain speaking and being direct with me. I don’t always make the best choices but the way she conveys her advice makes me feel so cared for. In my experience Dr Innes really thinks about her patients and she works harder than any healthcare professional that I have ever known. She seems to be working all hours to ensure patient comfort and safety. I’ve had calls late at night before due to problems with medication. She always makes time for the things that matter. She doesn’t simply stick her coat on at 5pm. 

When I’ve been acutely unwell she has supported me and protected me. When I’ve been apathetic following an episode she gives me a kick up the bum. It’s what we all need. No one can rescue us. They can support but we have to drag ourselves out of it somehow even though it feels impossible at times. I have never, ever been left to struggle under her care. Her ward rounds seem to take all day, and I think it could be because she spends the time with patients so they get what they need and she has the full picture. She’s sometimes late for appointments but I know that’s probably because she sees some people need extra time and that is just testament to the level of caring she shows. 

The reception team are amazing and always do what they say they will. Always answering the phone straight away and getting messages to people who I need something to do with. They readily sort appointments out and are so patient. 

Morne, the psychologist helped me identify a huge issue in about five minutes of meeting him and  set to work helping me unpick all that stuff and accept things. He picks up on nuances and matches my mood. I need humour in things that are very grim. My sense of humour can be a little dark and he certainly helps with that! His professionalism and insights demonstrate a wealth of experience and a natural ability to relate to people. I am very thankful for his support.

Joy, one of the senior mental health support workers is excellent. I love her manner. She is very knowledgeable on coping strategies which are effective. 

Everyone there is so human. They work hard. The odd error is made but nothing detrimental to my health. We’ve all got stuff going on in our lives and they turn up to work and support me immensely and I support everything they do. I’ve done the job and taking on other people’s emotions and problems all day requires a huge amount of resilience but even still can sometimes be draining.

These people are the givers of medication to help my mood. They provide wonderful, evidence based tools to improve my situation. There’s no magic to it. The rest is down to patients putting hard work in. I am forever thankful for the hope that has been instilled in me when I was directionless.The courage they dragged out of me that was always there. I am moved by the level of care and passion to see me succeed. I was clueless at times.

Collectively, my life has been saved multiple times by this beautiful team. They deserve the absolute best. Thank you.