In The Guardian, an anonymous mental health nurse describes how struggling with her own depression has given her new insights into the state of mental health care and the attitudes of her own professional colleagues.
“These days I have to ensure that Iâm booked to be seen at my GP practice and worry that my online records will be viewed by others,” the nurse writes. “During my last, and worst, breakdown I had several appointments at a hospital where Iâd been a service manager. Iâd made it clear that I didnât want to be seen there but felt so wretched and desperate for help that I went. It was a demoralising and dehumanising experience. A constant flow of staff who Iâd worked with walked past me. Those who saw me looked uncomfortable and didnât acknowledge me. Having to shout through a glass screen because the receptionist couldnât hear me left me feeling at worst like a criminal and at best like Iâd hit rock bottom.”
I work in mental health but colleagues don’t understand my depression (The Guardian, May 11, 2015)