Nathan Bell first experienced psychosis as a teenager.
The story of his ensuing battle with mental illness is both confronting and inspiring.
Nathan spoke to NBN News, as part of the Mind Matters series, in the hope of educating people and breaking down sterotypes surrounding mental illness.
I was Nathan’s teacher in primary school and have been aware of his battles over the past years.
How proud I was to see him in this interview! To see the angry, frightened child emerge as the articulate, thoughtful young man he now is.
Well done, Nathan. I hope you continue to reach your true potential in life. Please keep up your writing and artistic endeavours.
You are a credit to your Mum’s faith, patience and support.
Jessica
As Nathan’s mum I would like to say how enormously proud of him I am. The past six years have been an extraordinarily difficult and challenging time for him. Nathan is now on his way to creating a life full of meaning, joy and fulfillment, and, he comes into his adulthood with a level of compassion and understanding for others that it takes many of us a lifetime to learn. I would also like to thank the following people/services who were all instrumental in ensuring Nathan and my family received appropriate support:
1. Janene – the counsellor who supported me throughout the 2-3 years Nathan refused treatment. She gave me the strength, understanding, hope, skills and resources that enabled me to “hang in there” .
2. The Psychological Assistance Service. After three years of trying to get Nathan to engage with mental health they were instrumental in ensuring he received appropriate support from the mental health system (and responded with incredible flexibility )
3. Chris and Dr Tianne at STEPS who provided extraordinary support throughout that critical recovery phase.
5. The Wellways Program – an invaluable education program for carers that helped enhance my understanding of the difficulties Nathan was experiencing, to learn strategies to support both him and myself, and an opportunity to meet with other parents in similar circumstances.
6. ARAFMI – a service that provided incredible support to both myself and Nathan’s younger siblings.
7. And finally, and most importantly, my mother, sister, and friend Anne who all supported me throughout those difficult years full of despair and hopelessness.
Paula