Sean became aware of the mental health system when he went to hospital in April 1990 and became subject to it. After speaking to doctors he was told he would be given medication although at the time this was not an option. The laws on taking medication have now been changed with 75% of people being voluntary.

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After 20 years of being subject to the system I feel it has not been particularly kind to me or favoured me, except for one occasion where I was given the benefit of the doubt of not being hospitalised! I feel that the doctors have treated me not for the sake of being well, but have administered medication to help their own scientific research into the ways of schizophrenia.

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In Seans opinion, put in the position of a psychiatrist he would deal with the individual somewhat differently, in his quest to understand schizophrenia.

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In 16 years he has had three mental health tribunals to appeal against being in hospital that have been unsuccessful thanks to poor legal representation.

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Solicitors have not expressed my views and concerns as a patient the way I wanted and the way that would have been beneficial to me! It appeared their only aim was to exalt their own reputations as legal executives.

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In my opinion as an individual I have not come across any such person in a psychiatric position who has reached the root cause in me. Although Im not saying its all wrong, its not all right. The system is adjudging to the extreme and the current knowledge they have is inadequate. Illnesses such as schizophrenia (to name one) are different to the functioning of a so-called normal mind? I feel that maybe I can offer something to someone who may have had a similar experience, and by me interacting with them, help someone if they are not fully understanding. As a charity, RECOVERY endeavours to seek justice for individuals in this or similar positions.