CONSUMMO: A NEW HOPE FOR MENTAL PATIENTS

Liam’s Story in a bit

Having a mental illness can be lonely, isolating and scary. But when people share their stories of coping with mental illness or substance use disorder, it can provide inspiration and hope and be a welcome reminder that you are not alone in your challenges. My son had suffered schizophrenia as long as I can remember, we had no idea what was happening and didn’t know where to turn for help. It was hard then because we didn’t understand the symptoms earlier. When you struggle with an invisible disease, many won’t believe you. Early detection of mental illness and early treatment could have prevent full-blown psychosis and improve the long-term prognosis. There was a time he decided to get away from everyone, moving into a serene house in the woods with a pond and vocal wildlife. He said, “I loved to gaze at the moon and listen to an orchestra of fireflies and bullfrogs”.  As do most families, we went through many sleepless nights and periods of intense grief. I cannot express the pain and anguish that came over me.  We fought for proper medical care and humane treatment. We did everything we could and we did it with love, with intelligence, with experience and with a fight rivaling that of a mother bear defending her cubs against the predators that threaten their life. We have ALL given pieces of ourselves, sacrificed our own way of life for him and have spent many late nights worrying and praying. Behind the closed doors of our homes or a therapist’s office or a psychiatrist’s office we put our heads together to decide what is best for him and sometimes most of our choices work but more often we are less than successful. There was very little support from friends, family and the community. I racked my brain and kept thinking of all the things I could have done differently to prevent such a horrible illness.

It was such a relief when someone told me about the Mental Health Foundation of Australia. There I found other people going through very similar situations as me. I have dealt with shock, sadness, guilt, grief, anger and fear to name a few. I was able to interact with our new counselor, he told me about CONSUMMO treatment and their depot office in Australia. I finally found some respite and help. Even though, our Psychiatrist was not in support.  Don’t expect everyone to understand your journey, especially if they have never had to walk your path. I am not judgmental of other people- I see good in everyone.  We have been using this herbal supplement for just 6months with up-to-the-minute development, the symptoms are all gone. He stays calm now. He can go to lectures.  He has lots of friends, many interests and is building his life again. Liam’s illness has helped me grow to be a better person. Once again I have found balance in my life.

I would be very happy to receive any comments on what I have written here. It is also important to hear other points of view on the subject. I will keep you all updated after my son complete the whole treatment in the next 6-8months.

Amelia Wilson