Remarkable lives: Robert Lawrence in conversation with Jerome Carson

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide a profile of Robert Lawrence.

Design/methodology/approach

Robert provides a short background to his life and is then interviewed by Jerome.

Findings

Robert talks about the slow onset of his condition, his hospital admission and subsequent long journey of recovery.

Research limitations/implications

Case studies are of course only one person’s story. The world of someone experiencing psychosis is so different that we can only really understand it fully through the accounts of sufferers like Robert.

Practical implications

Robert makes a number of points about how services could be improved, such as through quicker and better treatment and a commitment to promote positive mental health.

Social implications

Robert talks about “benefits you can live off.” He notes that some governments have not fully appreciated the reality of mental suffering and its effects on trying to live a “normal” life.

Originality/value

Robert’s story has seen him embark on a long journey. He has now managed to study for a qualification which will hopefully bring him employment as a counsellor.

Citation

Lawrence, R. and Carson, J. (2020), "Remarkable lives: Robert Lawrence in conversation with Jerome Carson", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 24 No. 2, pp. 75-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-11-2019-0036