Hatty

My name is Hatty and I have paranoid schizophrenia. I am 33 years old. The first quarter of my life was fairly normal, but in the second quarter I started to be unwell. Nobody knew what was wrong with me and I began cutting myself and starving myself because I didn’t know how to cope with the voices and the Albino Man. I spent the whole of the third quarter of my life locked in Secure Units in an attempt to keep me safe. I made some good friends, but my quality of life was very poor and I could see no way out.
The fourth quarter of my life so far has been spent happily in my own flat. I have a great team of support workers who are with me 24/7. I am living in the town where I grew up and have reconnected with old friends.
At the end of last year, I was asked whether I would make a film about my experiences. I was a bit nervous, but I really enjoyed the process. I think that it is a great way of saying thank you to all those people who believed that I could move safely into the community and make a good life for myself!!
In the film you will see me with my mum and my boyfriend Adam. It gives a brief view of what my life is like. The voices and the Albino Man are still really frightening, but I am helped by having the right medication and the support of my family and friends.
Recently, there have been some brilliant conversations about mental health and I hope that my film will help everyone’s understanding of what it is like to have schizophrenia. Please watch it - and if you would like to know more, then I would be happy to talk to you!!
You can email me at: [e-mail]

[@margarettechillcott5382]

Well done everyone involved in raising awareness of this difficult condition And especially to Hatty and her family. Inspiring and courageous.

[@charlieterry5357]

How courageous of you to do this, darling. I admire you so much. I had no idea you were doing this. I am glad you are now at least having a much better life than you did before. So much credit for where you are now must go to your Mum. You have so many wonderful and understanding people around you now and in particular you have met someone who truly understands you and your problems. Good for Adam. You have an amazing support staff. I love you so much.

[@ankithprakash2328]

Nice film