What happens after psychosis? The support I have received

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of the paper is to describe Paul Makin’s psychiatric treatment after he developed a psychosis.

Design/methodology/approach

Paul describes how, after an acute episode of psychosis, he ended up in a psychiatric unit. This is his narrative account of his recovery and the support he had in the community.

Findings

Paul’s story shows how mental health services are stretched both in hospital and also in the community.

Research limitations/implications

This is only one story. It is unusual in that Paul’s first diagnosis was alcohol dependence. It was a few years, after he had stopped drinking completely, that he developed a psychosis. One man, two recoveries.

Practical implications

Reading his story, Paul had problems getting any continuity of care. He does not blame the staff who were all doing their best, but a mental health system that has insufficient resources.

Social implications

While mental health is constantly in the news, resources seem as stretched as they always have been. They remain underfunded and undervalued.

Originality/value

Paul’s is one story of many, but it will find resonance with others who have accessed mental health services in recent years.

Citation

Makin, P. (2023), "What happens after psychosis? The support I have received", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 84-87. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-06-2022-0038