Three years ago today, I was in the darkest place you can imagine. I was on 1:1 supervision on a psychiatric ward, a few days after trying to off myself. My section was confirmed by an independent psychiatrist, Dr. S, who turned up at dinner time with a social worker. /1

Dr. S had a mohawk and tattoos and a really nice manner. We went into the visitor's room. There were only three chairs, and my 1:1 nurse was there too, so Dr. S sat on the low table. She told me she wouldn't sleep that night if she didn't confirm the section. /2

The whole time Dr. S spoke to me, she looked me in the eye, and spoke softly and calmly. She told me she could see how much pain I was in, but that I had every possible chance of getting better, especially as I was going to be treated at @CADATLondon. /3

I kept scratching and picking the scabs on my arms. She gently took my hands and said my poor body didn't deserve to suffer any more. This was the first time I hadn't felt victim blamed on that ward, and it had to come from someone independent. /4

I don't think we spoke for long. It was late and a Friday night so I expect everyone wanted to go home. I remember leaving the room, thanking Dr. S, and being cajoled into sitting down for a late dinner, which was something typically inedible. /5

A few weeks later, when I was starting to feel better, Dr. S came into the ward to confirm someone else's section. I actually shouted DR. S! at her and she came over to say hi, and asked how I was doing. A few months after discharge I tracked her down and sent an email. /6

She gave me hope and treated me kindly when everyone else including the ward doctor dealt with me combatively. We may only have spoken for 15 minutes, but I shall never forget Dr. S. and hope to see her again sometime.

Psychiatrists: take note. This is how you treat people. /7

Am I a fan of the coercive, often-abusive psychiatric system as it stands? No. But I am definitely a fan of treating people - especially vulnerable mentally unwell people - with kindness and compassion. And I'm gonna tag @ExtremePsych here for more than one reason. /FIN