Chaos narratives to reinstate the voice of a survivor of mental illness : a (partial) life story

Margaret H. (Margaret Heather) Vickers

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

    Abstract

    The life story of a woman diagnosed with Schizophrenia is shared (in part). Eighteen lengthy, poignant and demanding interviews reveal a "damaged life." Ellen's life-story, her recollections and shared experiences of life with mental illness, are shared to help us step into her shoes-however briefly. The ambivalence towards her illness is so poignantly demonstrated. The illness that, early on, made her so popular, funny, and full of life became instrumental in her demise. She describes her mania, delusions, hallucinations, and fear. It is hoped that the sharing of portions of Ellen's life story will help acknowledge her chaos narrative (Frank, 1995). It is only through others' acceptance of chaos narratives that the horror of her story might recede.
    Original languageEnglish
    Number of pages16
    JournalAdministrative theory & praxis : a journal of dialogue in public administration theory
    Publication statusPublished - 2003

    Keywords

    • Schizophrenia
    • Case studies
    • Sick
    • Psychology

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