Hey all,
I haven't really been active on here in many months. That will change now. I'm a student mental health nurse about to qualify and I was the main carer for my mum who had delusional disorder, a form of psychosis. She developed this quite late in life after taking early retirement. Basically she had been mentally unwell for a while but no one really spotted it, and she was good as keeping it somewhat hidden.
Ultimately in March this year, 2016, out of the blue she was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer that had spread to her liver, spinal cord and skull. She lost the ability to walk and control her bladder and bowels and was given 2-3 months to live and that's exactly how it panned out. We lost her on 08/06/2016.
Before we knew anything about her cancer I had already decided to do my 8,000 word dissertation for my mental health nursing degree on a subject inspired by her. I was to write about the importance of mental health nurses engaging with, and supporting carers of people with psychosis. My argument applies to all forms of mental illness, and all forms of vulnerability and disability generally. Professionals and services MUST do better at supporting and working with carers. It's beyond crazy that so many health care professionals don't realise or 'get' this.
Anyway I'm in bits today but will recover. I didn't get my dissertation in on time. I've been struggling since her death. I'm hoping they will grant me a reprieve in terms of the deadline. Failing that I'll submit it later for a lower grade.
I can't believe she's gone. I was there when she took her last breath. I cry every night, but have a feeling things will get better for me.
I aim to try and support others on here also. I will keep an eye on new posts in terms of the "Intro" section and also the bereavement section. Feel free to PM me or reply on here.
Anyone who has lost someone recently. My thoughts are with you x
Alex
I haven't really been active on here in many months. That will change now. I'm a student mental health nurse about to qualify and I was the main carer for my mum who had delusional disorder, a form of psychosis. She developed this quite late in life after taking early retirement. Basically she had been mentally unwell for a while but no one really spotted it, and she was good as keeping it somewhat hidden.
Ultimately in March this year, 2016, out of the blue she was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer that had spread to her liver, spinal cord and skull. She lost the ability to walk and control her bladder and bowels and was given 2-3 months to live and that's exactly how it panned out. We lost her on 08/06/2016.
Before we knew anything about her cancer I had already decided to do my 8,000 word dissertation for my mental health nursing degree on a subject inspired by her. I was to write about the importance of mental health nurses engaging with, and supporting carers of people with psychosis. My argument applies to all forms of mental illness, and all forms of vulnerability and disability generally. Professionals and services MUST do better at supporting and working with carers. It's beyond crazy that so many health care professionals don't realise or 'get' this.
Anyway I'm in bits today but will recover. I didn't get my dissertation in on time. I've been struggling since her death. I'm hoping they will grant me a reprieve in terms of the deadline. Failing that I'll submit it later for a lower grade.
I can't believe she's gone. I was there when she took her last breath. I cry every night, but have a feeling things will get better for me.
I aim to try and support others on here also. I will keep an eye on new posts in terms of the "Intro" section and also the bereavement section. Feel free to PM me or reply on here.
Anyone who has lost someone recently. My thoughts are with you x
Alex