Life after Institutionalisation

I was released after two weeks, and then I went back home. Apparently, the staff at the institution said they used that form of Ill treatment in order to persuade patients to take the prescribed medication. I eventually did comply and take the medication. The reason I refused to take the medicine was because I was taking the same medication for reactive depression and, when the dosage was increased, I feared the side effects, which I was prone to. But even with that said, I wanted to get out of that horrible place, so I took the medicine. I never thought I would make it out of there though, but, thanks to certain caring persons and our merciful God the Father, I made it out.

I resumed my studies after leaving the institution, but my academic progress was slow. I struggled to complete the degree, but with the help of my husband, who used a school board to teach me and spur me on, I completed my degree in nineteen ninety nine and graduated in the year two thousand.

Thereafter, in the coming months, my elation turned to misery. The side effects of the old generation medicine was making me miserable. I had no motivation, but, at the same time, I had no symptoms of paranoia either. I slept most of the day, and this lasted for more than seven years. I must admit, though, I did actually think about ending my life during that period. I can now say that destiny, most of the time, has a bigger plan.

I managed to serve a year of law articles, but I struggled badly. I couldn’t go on because the old generation medicine was making me feel miserable, but I still no longer had symptoms of paranoia. My life was miserable.

Little did I know that on the horizon lay a future filled with happier and brighter days.

Tell us: Do you think more should be done to help people who were institutionalised for mental health issues continue with their lives after being released?