In 2016, I suffered a psychotic episode following a breakup with my ex-girlfriend. This resulted in me being sectioned and having to spend 4 weeks in a psychiatric ward.
Despite being traumatising, I see it as a blessing in disguise because I needed the intervention in order to get the help I required. I was put on a lot of heavy medication, which continued after I was discharged.
The next few years were an uphill battle, the experience with psychosis took away all my confidence and self-esteem. I also lost my full-time job, as I was not able to handle the hours.
I had periods of depression and anxiety as I struggled to get my life back on track. Medication helped to an extent, but I was also offered CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) through the NHS.
At first I was sceptical, this was due to having a bad experience with couples counselling with my previous partner.
However, once I started seeing the therapist, I really clicked with her and by the end of our sessions together, the difference was massive. I was able to discover self-compassion and start practicing this instead of self-criticism. I discovered techniques for dealing with stress instead of running away from it.
I was then able to find full time work again and not long after that, I met my now wife. Today I am a passionate mental health advocate and I managed to write a memoir about my story, which got
published in March 2023. It is called “Befriending My Brain: A Psychosis Story” and I wrote it to help people and inspire hope
in those who are struggling. There is also more stigma around psychosis and I want to do my bit to address this.
You can buy it in Ebook, paperback, or audiobook format by visiting https://amzn.eu/d/7hoIqLh
