Lynn's story

My husband Dave works for a vehicle manufacturer, and was a semi-professional footballer when we met.

I had just come out of a bad relationship and was cautious about getting involved, but I was immediately attracted to Dave.

Dave now works full-time, and has always had the full support of his employers. But after we met, he gradually began to develop symptoms of schizophrenia, becoming obsessive, agitated, and aggressive.

Dave disappeared one winter’s night wearing only his pyjamas, and was eventually taken to hospital by the police where he was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

At one point, he was taking 25 tablets a day – he would sit in a chair for up to eight hours at a time, rocking and chewing the inside of his mouth. To see the man I loved suffer so much was heart-wrenching.

I made contact with Rethink and realised Dave might have schizophrenia and found out as much as I could about the illness.

When Dave got ill again, he was treated in a private clinic and eventually given one medication, sulpiride. All his symptoms stopped within one week. I had Dave back.

The stress of caring for Dave and our three children took its toll and I developed a bowel illness four years ago. Dave was my rock – the tables had turned completely. I love Dave completely - some people might wonder how I managed to stay with him, I’m really happy that I did.