Profile of Aleyn ~ A Service User

Q. What was your fist experience of mental illness?

I think it was in 1998, visiting Coalville Social Services asking for help with housing and, being rapidly transported to the Bradgate Unit.

Q. Did you have any previous problems?

Yes, from early childhood though, this had not been recognised by parents, myself, teachers, doctors etc.

As such, it is only looking back that I can begin to piece together cause and effect.

Q. Do you think mental illness badly affected your life?

Yes, continuous bullying in school and being put-down by teachers because I was 'a little bit different' has carried through to a non-existent social life and, various quirks of behaviour make it difficult for me to mix with others.

However, it has made me able to work alone for instance, in computing, designing programs etc., which can be a very lonely job.

Q. Do you think that your upbringing as a child badly affected you as a child?

Looking back I can still feel the fear of going to school due to the probability of being bullied everyday, through break time and, when leaving school. Similarly, walking through Ashby in my scout uniform, wondering which road to take to avoid the bullies who would either taunt or, make every effort to cause a fight.

From that and, some aspects of home life, I can understand the start of my propensity to self harm, a difficulty which remains with me today.

Q. Do you blame anyone for your illness?

However strange as it may seem, I carry no resentment from my early life, it has made me what I am today.

I am thankful also that I do not carry the weight of blaming others, that could have been a burden which tipped me over the edge.

Q. Do you think you have had proper help and support from the statutory services over the years?

Reasonable but, not complete in that there have and are still big areas with no help at all and as for Social services ~ Nuff Said!

Q. What help would you like to get, living where you do?

Living in Ashby and, apart from my GP, I have to travel (by bus, I don't drive) to Coalville or Leicester for help from my Psychiatrist.

I must say though, despite the fears of the trip, it does me good to have a purpose to get out.

Thinking on, even with the lack of help in Ashby, I am happy with 'my little house' and probably, would be very unhappy living in an inner city area.

Q. What would you change in your life, past and present?

At one time I did change my name to David due to prejudice and bullying from those who did not or, would not understand the pronunciation of 'Aleyn'.

I have now reverted to 'Aleyn' which I carry with pride.

Otherwise, there is nothing I would change as I now regard life as a learning experience and, an opportunity to help others.

Profile contributed by Aleyn