Taking a Stand
A fascinating show recently aired on BBC Radio 4 about the emotional effect of taking a stand if someone you love has a mental illness.
The show focussed on the lives of William and Kate Lyons’ a young married couple whose experience with bipolar disorder radically changed their lives.
According to the mental health charity Mind, two thirds of the population will know somebody close to them who has experienced some form of mental illness.
Bipolar depression is an illness characterized by a mixture of delusional highs and disabling lows. After years of suffering but suppressing her symptoms through medication, Kate believed it was safe for her to stop taking her pills.
Unfortunately for both of them, Kate had not fully recovered from the illness and her illness began to have a dominating presence on their relationship.
One day when William realised he could no longer cope with the situation on his own he took a stand and had his wife sectioned under 1983 Mental Health Act.
The experience of having his wife sectioned was deeply effecting for William but he also felt a huge sense of relief to be getting some help for Kate.
A little way down the line and Kate now understands that her medication is essential if she wants suppress the illness.
The couple would love to have children, but are concerned that the condition could be passed down to the next generation.
If you are caring for someone with a mental illness and are struggling to cope on your own, or you yourself believe you have a mental illness then please seek help from a professional. Visit your GP who will help you diagnose the issue and provide you with medication if needed. You may also find that talk therapy will help you to tackle some mental heath issues. Please visit the homepage of this site where you can contact a qualified counsellor in your local area.
Taking a Stand aired on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday 16 February and is now available on BBC iPlayer.
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