Personal experiences.

[Monroe]

I have wanted to explore the option of working in the mental health profession. I first got interested when i became ill with eating disorders and i spend much time (six months) as an inpatient in a psychiatric hospital. This was in 2001. I have a good idea of what others think of anyone who suffers menatl illness, not everyone, but some are quite narrow minded still. I came across it with my own faily and it did bring it all home to me how people change around you at the time of being ill. But i have been in recovery for 5 years and doing well. But, it really bought it home to me that people who are mentally ill need support and, as well as intreging me, i feel like i want to give something back. However, i understand how some people around me are nervous because they fear that this may damage my recovery. I feel strong, my coping mechanisms are different now. When i had a CPN she refused to let me carry out my work experience at college in the pshychiatric hospital where i live. She contacted my lecturer and warned that it may be too much for my recovery. Either people have no faith in me, or i am naive as to where i am in my recovery. I applied to the hospital and asked about where i would stand in employmeent if i had a mental illness that was now in recoveery and they felt that it would actually be an advantage as i could relate to others. I would love the opinions of anyone who has advice or suggestions or just sharing their views on this. I feel torn as i feel i am alot stronger that people are giving me credit for.