"Living with EUPD, PTSD and possibly Bipolar Disorder type 2"

After struggling mentally throughout my entire life I was diagnosed with Emotionally unstable personality disorder (EUPD) and PTSD a few years ago. I was given various medications including antidepressants. I had asked numerous times over the years to be checked for bipolar disorder type 2 and switched to mood stabilising medication as I was having hypomanic episodes under antidepressants, but nothing was ever done about it originally.

Recently I was sectioned under the mental health act during what I believe to be an episode of hypomania brought on by my antidepressants. I believe in giving honest feedback and as you may expect I had lost all faith in the NHS, particularly the mental health services and basically lost all hope in having a normal life also.

When I was first sectioned I was expecting to go to somewhere that would be like an asylum. I was expecting to have to fight tooth and nail for the right to be treated like a normal person. I must say though that I was completely wrong.

I was escorted by the police and medical team to Ward 1 of the Acute Mental Health Inpatient Centre (AMHIC) at the City Hospital. A very nice nurse who treated me with compassion and respect brought me onto the ward. I thought to myself "they will show their true colours whenever the police leave" but I was wrong again.

During my stay at AMHIC every single member of staff was amazing. Not just with me but with the other patients also. I could write an entire essay on the amazing qualities of each member of staff.

The staff encouraged my artistic abilities and also checked in me regularly to see if I was ok or needed anything. I felt genuine care.

Dr Corrigan did what I have been asking mental health professionals to do for years now. Simply investigate if I have bipolar disorder type 2. He has a fantastic ability of being both professional and sincere. Speaking honestly to me with respect and understanding. He is also a very humourous person who I felt very comfortable speaking to. I can't thank him enough for changing my medication and doing what the other health services failed to do. He also got me into Dialectical Behavioural Therapy for my EUPD, something which was impossible for me on the outside. I felt like he was really trying to help me and felt safe under his care. I can't thank him enough.

Kafilat is a woman with a powerful aura and the kindest eyes. When she spoke to me she was very empathetic. She is excellent at her job and as a person in general. Every time I saw her on the ward she would ask how I was and if I needed anything. A true leader and I felt extremely safe under her care.

Sabrina, nothing was too much to ask of Sabrina. A true nurturer and an extremely hard worker at her job. All with a warm smile. No matter what I asked for she was happy to help and never made me feel like a burden. Every time she said something funny, smiled or laughed I found myself doing the same. Again a true leader and I felt extremely safe under her care.

Joseph, one of the hardest workers and most sincere individuals I have ever met in my entire life. He spent alot of time listening to my issues. Was extremely knowledgeable on any questions I had and is one of the funniest people I have ever met. His guidance is worth more than diamonds and I can't thank him enough for just being himself and helping me through some troubled moments. I feel like he truly understood my pain and always had the correct and sincere words to say. I am forever grateful.

As I mentioned at the start that all of the staff were fantastic and I could write an essay about each member.

The care I received at AMHIC was second to none. I was discharged with what I feel is the correct medication and a million words of support.

I am forever grateful and plan to return one day and paint a portrait of these angels as I am an aspiring artist.

"They spoke to me like a person, I was no longer a burden

They tended to my fears, not stoked their flames

They nourished my body with food and my mind with encouragement, I was not left to starve, physically nor mentally.

When I had thoughts of my neck and a cord

There was always a light at the end of the corridor

An angel on the ward"