Medical Abuse

by Lynn
(Bristol, England)

In 1976 a GP promised me help with a phobia at the time of giving birth. He went back on his word. I was put through a sexual abuse related phobia. My health, marriage and life broke down. This gave a weak foundation within self. Years later with rumours of dishonesty at work I broke down again and saw a psychiatrist. With no mention of the doctor's malpractice and with sexual abuse unrealised, I suffered further abuse when the psychiatrist put my problem down to my marriage. I have been buried under labels, dismissed and stigmatised within the health service.

However, through determination I have spent years gaining understanding and moving from brokenness to wholeness. I lecture to student nurses, have had an article published in a nurse magazine and am now on a committee for community mental health.

Fighting oppression is an exhausting ongoing battle, where I constantly face and overcome fear. My aim is to further opportunities to speak out.

Being mildly autistic, I can't see the harm in people and have suffered much bullying at work and I believe it is because people are threatened. Someone once said 'Don't work so hard, it makes it look bad for the rest of us'.

Take care,

Lynn