- Target:
- Alberta Ombudsman
- Region:
- Canada
I have been let down by the mental health system here in Edmonton. Because of my mental illness I have been discriminated by a lot of individuals which includes the Edmonton Police services, security guards as well as health care professionals such as nurses, doctors and psychiatrists which also includes my previous psychiatrist that I had for 12 years.
After losing my job after four years my health declined. My behaviour escalated as a result of my previous psychiatrist faxing a letter to an insecure fax machine at my place of employment which resulted in me losing my position. There were other factors that contributed to my declining health. This included the medication that I was on at the time as well as going through peri menopause which also affected my behaviour. Three weeks of losing my job my psychiatrist of 12 years terminated my care and without any warning. I saw her weekly. She didn't take anything into consideration. This left me feeling abandoned, rejected, alone, scared for the future and very vulnerable.
There needs to be a change in our mental health system. Professionals that have contact with individuals that do have a mental illness needs to have some sort of mental health training.
Also psychiatrists needs to have more understanding about what is really going on with their patients and take a look at any underlying medical conditions that may be problematic.