Does anyone else experience Grief after a long time? My Mum died in 2016 and stepdad in 2019. I particularly miss talking to my Mum and having dinner with her. It can be really hard on your own not having someone close watching out for you.
It's sad a lot of people are trying to justify what they spend their PIP on today. I don't think people should have to. I think personally a voucher system would be prohibitively expensive to administer (labour intensive) and be siphoned off to private companies.
Well as I suspected things are going to get a lot worse. I used PIP as an extension to universal credit. The council put me in this privately rented flat because PIP was the extra expected to cover my living costs. A lot of people will end up in absolute poverty.
For the entire 16 weeks I have been in the psychiatric hospital I have had a camera known as OxeVision by OxeHealth monitoring me in my room. Today I was asked to sign a consent form for its continued use. I chose to not give consent.
I had a meltdown this morning. On Friday we have Music group on the ward where we pick songs. The same OT person skipped my turn from asking me again this week. So I took the speaker away. The alarms were then pulled and I was chased to my room with it where I was restrained.
One thing I've observed over the years is that people with money tend to be less kind and compassionate. I wonder if it is the money that makes them unkind or the fact you have to be unkind to make lots of money?
I think the hardest thing about my condition is being intelligent but not having social ability or standing to fit in and function. It is painful to experience ostracism, discrimination and ableism knowing you can do nothing about it.
I hope anyone watching
#Dispatches
tonight doesn't come away with the impression that we just need safer psychiatric hospitals. What we actually need is care in the community and caring of one another so we don't need hospitals.
#love
#kindness
That's my PIP interview is done. It lasted 50 minutes. The person on the phone seemed respectful and understanding. I did my best. Glad it's over. Will hear the result in 4 weeks.
Those of you that have followed me for the last year would be familiar with my
#ActuallyAutistic
journey in hospital homeless last year. One thing I didn't mention was
@richardbutchins
recorded part of my story in this upcoming
@C4Dispatches
documentary.
Just got this new little travel case delivered same day from Argos. Taking no chances. I will pack it once my clothes are dry. I've even got some vacuum bags to save space. It's scary knowing I will probably go Mad again.
It's a year today since I was last in a psychiatric hospital. I've been admitted at least once every calendar year since 2014. The last 12 months has been a good run considering what has happened in the past. Hopefully I won't be admitted this year.
I was just updating a few things in my emergency travel case earlier that I keep next to my front door. Hopefully I won't be sectioned any time soon but I do worry about ending up in hospital with no belongings as it isn't pleasant.
I've managed to get up and travelled to Basildon. Hearing isn't until 10:15am but I have to be in court by 9:30am. I'm at McDonald's having a tea. Relieved my travel was straightforward.
Saw Sunak telling workers that people just make up what their saying in an interview for PIP. Spreading absolute lies. I had medical documentation as well. First time I was rejected after ECT. It's only after psychosis episodes that I got accepted.
I'm so glad to be home with Snoopy. I do appreciate my home and the Church I'm part of. There was a moment today where I thought the judge might sentence me to prison. The prosecution wanted me inside but the judge disagreed. I hope 🙏 this is the end of me being criminalised.
A kind person on here had a spare new single mattress boxed and sent it to me today. I'm just letting the memory foam expand. Its far better than my current one. Hopefully it will help my back. I am so grateful 💜💚💙.
When I moved here I got a cheap economy single mattress for my bed. I'm thinking at some point of getting a better quality mattress. Maybe a better mattress will give my back rest.
2/2
I would like to wish everyone of you who I talk to on here or just like to read what I write a Merry Christmas and happy 2024. I crosspost to several social media and appreciate my interactions with each of you. It will lifts me up most of the time. Thank you 💙.
The Counsellor was helpful today. I have to give myself more credit for getting through this case. Managing my mental health and getting to all these hearings and interviews. Thankfully it's over now.
It would be my late Mum's birthday today. She died in 2016 from cancer. She did have a heart condition as well. It's getting to the point now where she might of not lived this long if she hadn't got cancer. Though I still think of her on her birthday and miss her.
Hi everyone. Just want everyone to know I'm safe. I'm in basildon mental health unit. About 2-3 weeks ago I heard voices which seemed like telepathy from the DWP Harry potter division. They told me to kill myself. I refused to kill myself. I wasn't getting any sleep.
Never seen this happen before. A Fox laying outside my backdoor. He moved once he recognised I was there but waiting around looking for food I guess. My neighbours usually feed them. There was another one down the steps in the garden.
I don't know what I would do without you people on Twitter. I would feel more lonely if I didn't have you to interact with. I spend most of my time alone so it's nice to know someone is listening to me. Thank you 💜.
When I was homeless in 2022 I borrowed my deposit for my landlord from the council. I've just finished paying it back. They've not been communicating with me. So just been paying it off in installments but made one last payment today. Just posted a letter to confirm it's settled.
To be honest I started today very down and depressed. Then I opened two cards I received yesterday which perked me up a bit. Then I got to church and was shocked by all the cards. Then all the best wishes I have received on Twitter have made my day. Thank you 💜.
As was suggested by someone on here I got myself a sunflower lanyard. Though bit nervous wearing it. I think paranoia of standing out. Though it may come useful one day.
I think a lot of people turn their nose up to social media but I think it depends how you use it. It's easier to not use it if you have the luxury of a supportive family and friends. I don't. So being able to interact with people on here makes me feel less alone and supported.
Here's my English breakfast I have just made. A bit stressful getting all the elements together but worth it. Not had this in a long while. Bacon, fried egg, fried bread, beans, bacon, fries and hash browns.
Sorry if I go on, I will stop eventually. It's so nice to get to the evening and be able to have the facilities to cook a meal for myself, have a shower and get into my pajamas. No one else to consider or concern they may come in. Independent living is so important.
One of the things that gives me so much Autistic joy is my SodaStream. A SodaStream machine contains a gas cylinder of carbon dioxide that you apply to water. You then add a syrup (flavour) to the fizzy water. I enjoy making them and I like the bubbles. [1/7]
My mental health nurse (care coordinator) has written me a character reference including saying I am compliant with treatment. I have sent that to my solicitor to be uploaded for the judge. Goes with my one from the Vicar.
That's 3 meals of chilli con carne cooked and to be frozen for microwave another day. 'Shaun of the future' will thank me for this. I sort of externalise 'Shaun of the future' as someone else I'm caring for.
I still can't believe I have been living in this flat for over 15 months now. Being homeless before for 6 months including in a psych hospital has definitely made me appreciate the fundamentals alot more. I still have my issues but am happy living here.
1/3
So the mattress came early. Not going to take pictures of the entire home but this is the bedroom so you all know I'm safe. Bed is all made and ready!
Still not sunk in.
It's been 2 years today since I got this home and my homelessness ended after 6 months. It was a relief getting this home and it took sometime to get things together. I'm all settled here and hope for a long time yet.
I've been in a psych hospital 13 times in the last 10 years of which 8 were sections. I have tried 14 psych medications and had 12 electric shocks (ECT) to my brain 🧠. Now I am being criminalised.
Home now. Attended Magistrates Court. For my plea I said "No plea". As my right as a defendant I elected for my case to be heard in the Crown court. I don't want to comment further publicly but things are happening in the background on my side. I had my solicitor present.
Solicitor phoned. He seemed really good as I think they are just stretched for time. I know the plan of action on Monday. Going to go for a walk now. Think I will start relaxing now. I've got some chicken breast that will go off if I don't cook it today.
I'm sitting here in tears having moved from the small room to bigger room feeling so grateful to have this home and the setup I have. Things have come together domestically and finding a church to go to since I was homeless in 2022. I really hope this can last for years to come.
It feels cosy in my flat drinking a nice cup of tea. As much as I have struggled with being Autistic and mentally ill I do feel much more blessed now. I have an appreciation of having a homely home, an adequate income and a supportive Church community.Things could be a lot worse.
This time last year I was homeless for 4 and half months in a psychiatric hospital. I was only sectioned for 6 weeks but had nowhere to go. This time last year I was discharged to a hotel for 6 weeks before the council found me a home in the private sector.
It does feel like I'm resting on a posh mattress. After spending 6 months homeless on very bad mattresses and then my cheap mattress for 18 months. I feel so much more supported and rested on here.
I don't know if other people get this. I was waiting to cross a busy dual carriageway today and I had a thought of jumping in front of the cars. I get thoughts like that quite often. I'm the same at train stations with thoughts of jumping on the rails.
@draevans
People will become homeless. The new plan is to make street homeless a criminal offence. So prisons will become the new workhouses of 1830s. Privatised prisons will be great value for shareholders.
I've received my presentence report from probation. For a community order it recommends a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for 20 days and a Mental Health Treatment Requirement for a period of 12-18 months.
I think what many like me with autism and MI realise is they often live life like a hermit. Its a struggle being around people too much but at the same time you feel isolated and even lonely. It's difficult finding the right balance but for the most part I feel I have it now. 1/4
1st probation appointment went well. I got there 20 mins early and they started straight away so I wasn't waiting. Went over a contract of behaviour to sign and any difficulties I have. They seem willing to be accomodating. I was told I will be assigned a probation officer soon.
I've just got back from Church. Had a nice afternoon with the person I know from Church. We had lunch in M&S and a tea in McDonald's. Then went to the 5pm Church service. Prayed in the chapel with the Vicar as well. Glad I left home today.
Having been homeless last year for 6 months it feels like such luxury to sit on my armchair with my lamp on and read a book. Sometimes it's like I have to pinch myself it's real.
I've just been chilling today. Low stress before the stress of my hearing tomorrow. It's also the stress of making sure I get to the court on time. I have to be up early tomorrow.
The prime minister is only ostracising more people like me with autism and schizoaffective disorder. There's not much more for me to do to make myself disappear besides quitting church or killing myself. People are far too hostile against me.
I've been told it's highly unlikely I will get a prison sentence on Wednesday. My probation presentence interview didn't suggest that either. It was suggested a fine with a community order of a mental health treatment requirement and possibly probation appointments.
Well I'm pleased to spend a 2nd New year in this flat I call home. I hope many more to come. 2022 was one of my worst years what with being homeless in a psych hospital. 2023 has been a better year for me. I hope 2024 is even better and I avoid a stay in a psych hospital 🙏.
My next court hearing is on the 14th Aug when I'm sentenced. Initially it was a 'floating hearing' for the week of the 12th Aug but the probation officer felt it important I have a fixed date as a adjustment. My mental health nurse has put that day in her calendar to be with me.
It's been 4 months since I moved into my flat and my homelessness ended after 6 months. Began to think it would never happen and imagined it wouldn't be as good as now. I think it's in the last month I've really began to settle in here. Hoping this will be a good year ☺️.
Usually before I go to a psychiatrist appointment I write a script to take to my appointment. I have an appointment Monday so I've written a new one. Sometimes I don't read it out I just give it to the doctor. Often they ask to keep it for my records so I sign it.
Not been feeling good this evening. Had suicidal thoughts. Got the a/c going but under my Snoopy blanket and hugging Snoopy. Telling myself it will pass.
To be honest I think I was more worried about this PIP telephone interview than my next court hearing. At least with court now I have a legal team. I feel some relief now.
Visited Aldi on the way back as fancied making an Egg and Bacon Sandwich. Not had one for a while. My late Mum used to make me one everytime I visited. I do miss her.
I think the hardest thing with anti-psychotic medication is people can assume your lazy. They don't seem to care to understand the invisible factor that they are tranquillisers.
Well the solicitor has arranged me to meet him at court in the morning. Thankfully it's all arranged for my mental health advocate to pick me up and accompany me in court tomorrow. The Crown Court is 13 miles away so that makes my arrangements simpler.
The point I wanted to make is there are probably more vulnerable people than me in the ward that could face issues like this.I can see how Autistics can get trapped long term in a psychiatric hospital if the approach doesn't appear fair to them. I pray 🙏 for better training.
Snoopy has just had a quick wash in the washing machine. He is now laying on the dryer to dry out.
My backup Snoopy has now started his shift of looking after me.
I think part of my Mum dying is what led me to Christ. I needed his support and I wanted to believe I could see her again one day. It made me think of death, the point of life more and what happens after.
My care coordinator (psychiatric nurse) even phoned me this morning to check if I was ok which took me by surprise. I am seeing her tomorrow. I had good support today.
The court had airport style security and were very through. I even had to take a sip of my drink to get in.
Today I went for a walk. Ordered some essentials from Amazon. Did a mindful colouring picture. Watched an episode of One Foot in the Grave and Only Fools and Horses. Read 2 chapters of the Bible. Attended my online autism group.
Well I hope given the stigmatising news today people don't start thinking I am a dangerous killer. I'm not very threatening but I do take antipsychotic medication. Most of the time I just want to hug Snoopy and watch Star Trek.
I've had my haircut this morning. I had to wait an hour. There wasn't that many in front of me just so slow. The radio was getting on my nerves too. Thankfully done now.
I've been to Church. I wore my sunflower lanyard to get used to it. I think it could become a habit while I'm out. I also got a lift back which was nice and saved me getting the bus.