Case Study 5 : Mike
(From a carer's perspective)
Synopsis
Mike (22) has experienced mental illness since the age of 16, beginning with cannabis-induced psychosis. While still an adolescent, he suffered a severe episode that resulted in his arrest under the Mental Health Act, and subsequent admission to an unsuitable adult psychiatric hospital. Mike's parents became very dissatisfied with his treatment and care, and began a process of investigation during which they joined a support group, challenged the Mental Health Trust's decisions and discovered a number of entitlements for Mike. Mike has since chosen to live independently, to self-administer medication and take more responsibility for his own well-being.
Key choice message
Family and support groups can achieve a great deal and help service users exercise choice in a variety of ways.
