Patient Advice

Abdul’s advice: I felt scared when I needed to leave the hospital. I also didn’t know how I was going to talk to people. I got back into talking by chatting with shopkeepers when buying things. Being able to do these things for myself made me feel better about going home.

Elsie’s advice: To me that idea of going back out to society was daunting. I thought I couldn’t do it. You’re thinking ‘what will people think of me’. It’s difficult, but I thought ‘this is me and okay, I’ve changed, but I’m still me’. The first time I went out was to play Bridge. I remember going up to a friend saying ‘Oh dear, I’ll have to get my coat off!’ It went fine. And I’ve got a cardholder to hold my cards. From then on, I began to do little things extra each time I went out.

Deena’s advice: I find it very helpful to attend peer support meetings and to go to the rehab centre. I also do activities like dancing and playing cards that are organised by a charity.