Published on: 19th December 2023
Emma, 32, has praised the team on Norbury ward at Stepping Hill for supporting her during a very traumatic period in her life.
Earlier this year Emma experienced psychosis for the first time, which left her feeling very scared and vulnerable.
Thanks to Cheryl Miller (pictured right), Keata Brooks (left), and the nursing team on the ward, Emma built her confidence and has started to recover. Emma explains:
“I had a mental breakdown in February 2023 and I had psychosis. I was really poorly to the point I didn’t even recognise my mum and was admitted to Norbury ward.
“I was very scared and vulnerable and at times a whirlwind on the ward, where I stayed until April.
“The team on Norbury ward, especially Cheryl and Keata, went above and beyond. Their level of care was outstanding.
“By the end of my stay I was confident to go out again, they slowly built my confidence up by engaging with me to do activities.
“I was put on the right medication, and I am now at home with the crisis team looking to get back to work myself after a speedy recovery.
“I’m only 32 and have not suffered with psychosis before so this was a very traumatic time for me. The staff were amazing and I cannot thank them enough. I will be forever grateful.”
Psychosis or a psychotic experience is when you perceive or interpret reality in a very different way from people around you. This can sometimes be described as ‘losing touch’ with reality.
It affects everyone differently, but the most common types are hallucinations, delusions and disorganised thinking and speech.
Emma has shared some advice for anyone else who experiences psychosis or is receiving mental health support:
“My advice is to engage in as many activities as possible, work with the staff and remember everyday is a new day - and we all have opportunities to start a brand-new day. Use your voice and get involved in your care as much as you can.”
Cheryl Miller, technical instructor, added: “It’s great to hear Emma is recovering well and has regained her independence thanks to the therapeutic activities we do on the ward. It’s lovely to be recognised and is a great reminder that people can get better with the right support.”