Barry Dix attended one of our first Self-Management courses in Wales in 2009. His life has improved significantly since then and he continues to apply the techniques learnt and benefit from the peer support group from the course, as well as using his experience to have a positive impact on others. This is Barry’s story:
“When I was 17 I started hearing voices, and that was really frightening. At the time I didn’t know anything about schizophrenia. As an adult I ended up living on the streets for six years. I had no money. I slept in bus shelters, telephone boxes, graveyards, anywhere. In the winters I’d stay awake all night by walking because I knew if I fell asleep the cold would get me. The next day I’d try to find a library, sit with a book and get as much sleep as I could before I got kicked out. A lot of the public misunderstand the homeless. There are a lot of men and women out there on the streets through no fault of their own. I met so many lovely people on the streets.
“When I was in my mid 20s, I was finally diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and began to receive support. I was given a flat and support from a Community Psychiatric Nurse. At first I found it difficult to get into a routine of normal living. I remember I couldn’t sleep on the bed in my flat because, compared to the streets, it was too comfortable. So I slept on the floor for a while. I was put on medication when I got the flat. It took a while to find what worked for me; it was trial and error.
“I attended the Mental Health Foundation’s Self-Management course four years ago. It was two full days followed by six follow up sessions. The trainers all have a mental health diagnosis and successfully self-manage their own mental health. It made a real difference knowing that the planning and problem solving techniques I was being taught were actually working for the trainers. During the course I was taught how to deal with my situation and to accept the condition I have. I now manage it in a better way and I don’t think I would have had the skills and confidence to accept it if I hadn’t attended the course.
“I’ve learned to take on challenges I never knew I could, like talking to people in public about my illness. This has helped me believe I can give something back to society. I’ve also been to evening school and learnt to read and write. I used to blag my way through situations. For example, if someone gave me something to read I’d look at it for a few seconds and then ask: ‘What’s your opinion on that?’ Now I can write my name and address. I’m good at maths, too.
“I’ve benefited from the course in many other ways, one being that it helped me talk to people. I found it difficult to talk in front of a group of people, and I was quiet and reserved. The course made me more confident and outgoing, it made me talk to people I wouldn’t normally speak to. I’ve been more open about my illness which has made me realise I’m not the only one with the problem and I’m not on my own.
“The course has also helped me to understand and respect other people’s illnesses. Before I attended the course I had only really heard of schizophrenia. Since attending the course I’ve met, and continue to meet people with other illnesses such as bipolar and anxiety. I want people with serious mental health conditions to realise that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of people with a mental illness think they’re no good. If only they could accept that they are good, that everyone’s equal and no one is bigger than anybody else.
“I’ve given talks at a variety of organisations and group meetings. It hasn’t only helped me; it has made other people aware of mental illnesses, especially schizophrenia. There has been such bad publicity surrounding schizophrenia, I think it’s really important for people to hear someone who actually has the condition talking about it.
“I keep myself busy giving talks to groups, working on mental health campaigns and delivering training sessions. I also help friends and neighbours by doing jobs such as their grocery shopping. I love walking, and I talk positively to myself about the future when I do. Walking has helped me a lot. If I feel stressed I don’t go to the pub anymore, I go walking through the country instead; it’s good for me physically as well as mentally.
"My life has improved so much since learning Self-Management. I’m sure there are many other people who would find it incredibly helpful, and I hope those people get the chance to do a course like I did.”
Please help us to change more lives with self-management training.