A snapshot of my experiences

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I was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 46 in 2023 and I am a person of lived experience of mental health challenges following numerous traumas in childhood and adulthood. I am formerly a carer of my mum who is now in the care of the Psychiatric Inpatient Care Ward in the North West. 

 

 I have received different types of counselling, therapy and medications since my university education in the 1990's. I believe that the NHS care and peer support has helped me survive my mental health challenges alongside dealing with other areas of my life. I hope to help others navigate the NHS mental health system and find ways to cope with life's challenges. My experience of being neuro divergent I feel may help others to gain insight to their own needs and preferences.

 

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My Journey

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​Since childhood I was extremely shy and introvert and by the age of 9 years old I remember my mums first nervous breakdown in 1985 and later  hospitalisation. Looking back, my life may of been different if I had an autism diagnosis in childhood as I would of been able to understand why I was wired the way I am rather than feeling different, somewhat inadequate and unable to achieve like my peers.

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Growing up I began to share the caring responsibility of my mum with my late elder brother. As a child this was an unwanted responsibility that created difficulties that I wasn't prepared for. In regards to my autism, I also feel the genetic link of ASD came from both of my biological parents and my mother in particular, had not received a diagnosis. I feel many of her difficulties such as sensory overwhelm and feeling socially isolated had led to her to medical treatment of major depressive disorder and Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder later in life. 

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From 1985, I began to share the caring responsibility of my mum with my late elder brother. As a child this was an unwanted responsibility that created difficulties that I wasn't prepared for. 

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My mum who was later diagnosed with a 'severe mental illness' in the psychiatric system, she became reliant upon prescribed medications to manage her symptoms. I have experienced childhood and adulthood complex trauma and was always an advocate for my mother.

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​In 2020 my brother ended his life after a long battle with trauma and depression and isolation from lack of social support and NHS therapy. It was possible he was also autistic given the difficulties he faced in school and adulthood. We both grew up feeling different but I ended up masking socially to fit in and get by. This made me more determined to be a mental health champion and develop more services from my experiences as a patient and first and foremost, a unique individual. I have had various diagnosis's over the years and felt isolated in my own experiences of NHS mental health care.

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​​In 2023, I set up the Medication For Your Mind group to fill the gap that exists for adults who are solely prescribed medications without the additional support that I know does exist but isn't widely advertised. This includes deprescribing peer support and research undertaken from academics and patients who have taken anti-depressants and other psychiatric medications.

 

The groups aim is to provide a safe space for individuals and reduce stigma connected to taking psychiatric medications and reaching out for additional support.

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If you have been someone who has had similar lived experience and family dynamics, please visit our signposting page​​