"Succoth Ward was a place of warmth and friendliness"

Due to the uncertainty about meds supply because of Brexit, I stopped taking all medication for Bipolar Disorder in May 2019, as I didn’t want to be dependent on anything where the supply couldn’t be guaranteed. In December 2018, I couldn’t source one of my meds and I went from 210mg per day to 0mg for 5days. I experienced ‘discontinuation’ symptoms that were disabling. By July I was very ill with a severe depression. I was detained under the Mental Health Act (Scotland) for 10 weeks. I was in Mid-Argyll Community Hospital in Lochgilphead. My experience was of kindness, care and compassion, from all the staff from domestics to consultant psychiatrist.

Although I was unhappy at being detained at the time, now I have restarted meds, I can reflect that it was the best and safest option for me. I was kept informed of the whole legal process, and was many times, offered an advocate to help. The consultant was fair, balanced and was willing to explore all options for treatment, even though at the beginning  of my stay, my decision making was being heavily influenced by the depression.

My only sadness is that this quality of care was not available locally in England. However I am thankful that Succoth Ward was a place of warmth and friendliness.