Private Psychiatric Hospital

At last 100% the right medicines after more than 20 years state care, the food is good too but they are very strict on hospital rules, and specifically for aggression. For any aggression they send you packing right away. I saw a youngster like that get kicked out and without ceremony.

According to myself my chronic problem was sleep disturbance, I couldn't sleep till very late at night then couldn't get up in the morning. It was very serious I suffered from it for more than 20 years and paid the price, with studies and work and life in general. That all is over now although it took some time getting used to the new medicine and had to learn some coping skills. I don't have the problem anymore believe it or not. Dr Stonecamps is pleasant and friendly, a family man and a brilliant psychiatrist.

I think it was a result of teenage trauma, at school still I often couldn't sleep at night because I was in fear I was scared my dad would commit a family murder. Then getting up in the morning again for school.

That was heavy hey and just a child really. My father was an alcoholic it was hard then and this kept on for long amongst related difficulties. Also I was regularly violently disciplined even as a little kid already. No wonder they think I've got brain damage. Myself I'm very gentle. Medical doctors don't usually ask you about things like this they treat your illness with medicine.

Sometimes when you are very sick you might need longer term hospitalisation you have to go to a state hospital and especially the first time. Sometimes it takes a while but most people recover and private would cost a lot mostly people go on medical aid for two or three weeks. Private can work out very expensive especially if you go for a long time for treatment. 

We're lucky here we have probably one of the best state hospitals in the world here in Pretoria. It is an academic hospital, the grounds are very large that helps a lot. There are ways to compare different universities internationally. All the psychiatrists have to work as interns at a state hospital some years before they qualify and usually then into private practice. For psychologists especially our selection is extremely strict but you still get the odd monkey.

My brother has now also given up drinking and smoking as well, and a good few months now. You save a lot of money and you don't burn holes in your bed sheets and clothes and your best friend's wife's new furniture. Crash or throw up on your buddy's Mercedes bonnet from the second floor. Serves him right. Sorry. And you have to stand outside all the time.

It is amazing what a person can actually achieve. When one ability is lost often one discovers another talent in it's place, or even a very special gift and there could be even more.  And this often helps you get better as well, often in spite of preconceived limitations by doctors and family on the patient's behalf.

Psychiatry has advanced tremendously in the last 50 years. Of course if you want to get better you have to cooperate and comply otherwise you're just wasting time and money.