My son, with schizophrenia, almost killed me once. He did beat me and was about to bash my head in (he had become psychotic at about 1 a.m. and I got up to console him) and I became very still and kept repeating quietly, "I'm your mother, I love you, please don't hurt me,bi love you" and though I was intensely afraid for myself, I was also afraid for him, for how he would feel after, afraid he would go to jail, afraid for his guilt, as we were very close and I knew he loved me, but he was in so much pain. As I kept reminding him of who I was, he hesitated a little, and loosened his grip, and I ran to safety. He was 43 then. It has only been 3 years ago. He had the onset at 19 and I still manage to care for him, but I am very careful to be aware. For both of our sakes.
Maybe have some type of alarms you can press in each room that rings 911 or police stations when he starts to get this way. I know this same mothers love to where you’re spending your whole life caring for one of your sick children and you didn’t get to follow your dreams in your older age. I’m sorry for that for you. It’s hard I know.
I dated a boy/man with schizophrenia when we were teens. I talked him out of a few episodes. I will never forget his mother telling me that she loves me, and she loves her son more than anything, and for both of our sake please go. The love she had for him, especially in that moment, was like nothing else I’d seen
Found an update on Michael. He's now in his own apartment very near the facility he was once in, Brockville. His family is still super supportive, which is great. He's under conditions, and has a nurse visit 1x a week. He's very good on taking his meds and likes to stay active. He visits Renfrew on occasion, but says it's very hard for him to do that. So glad to hear that he's still doing well and I'm hoping he stays that way! Praying for him and his family!
I know it showed he was in an apartment after but I think this one was different, and he was alone without a roommate. But I know he said in the interview he STILL thinks people are staring at him, knowing what he did. So sad. Everyone knows that it wasn't "him", and it was his illness. Ugh I don't know why I just feel for him.
I love how Michaels brother said the killer was Schizophrenia and there were 2 victims here his mother and Michael…. He said it perfectly, so heartbreaking 💔
The way this family spoke of their son and brother really touched my heart. I'm sure this is the way the mom would have wanted them to be. I wish him well in his future endeavors on the outside world and I hope he is able to maintain his medication. ❤
سلام حفظكم الله أنا مريض فصام أول مرة سمعت الأصوات كنت ناءما فجاءوا على شكل شرطة للقبض علي فرأدت الانتحار جلست خارج نافذة من البيت طابق رابع فاخرجني والدي وأخي وهاته الأصوات اسمعها إلى الآن إلى أن الفرق بعد ست سنين عرفت بنفسي اني مريض لأن فالأول كنت أطيع ما اسمع ومرة بنت الحي قذفت بكأس زجاج سمعتها تسبني وهي لم تفعل ذلك وأشياء كتيرة فعلا هذا المرض خطير فأنا لاأتعالج شيء الوحيد فالاصوات لاتفارقني طيلة الوقت والفرق أعي بالمرض ولاأهتم لها رغم سماعها بصوت مرتفع
My son was schizophrenic, he’s dead now but it still haunts me. I bypassed this several times before I was able to get the courage to watch it. I’m glad I did 😢
Maybe you have ptsd .I have a mental health condition my whole adult life .I was very distant from my Familly most of the time .I now realise how my situation seems from their point of view .I'm sorry that your son's illness affected you as well as him .
The understanding that schizophrenia killed Michael’s mom was truly profound. The family is amazing. I have such respect for them as well as the doctors and nurses who work in the facility.
His Father is struggling. He can barely look his son in the eye. But still he tries to be there for him. My heart bleeds for all of them. What a sad, sad tragic event.
It's hardest for the father. He lost his wife and, to a degree, a son and is solely left to look after 4 kids. Has the guilt of thinking he did something wrong as a parent (which is incorrect but I'm sure he still thinks it) and also, imagine the pain of having to tell your kids that day. I totally agree. You can see the pain in his eyes still. What a great family though.
@@mayamaya6478 I hear voices and see things that aren't there I'm 40 been hospilized 10 times when at my worst I was walking around my town I didn't know who I was or where I was the voices are something I wouldn't wish on everyone
When I looked up Mark Earle, the gentle male nurse, on the internet, I was heartbroken to find out that he passed away in 2018. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life’s work greatly benefitted those who were ill…
@@MayimHastings I know Boo! :"( He really was such a sweetheart.... Hope we will aspire to leave a wonderful impact on the world before we go too! Hope you are doing well, Boo. thank you for your reply :)
Michael’s siblings are absolutely incredible! They have shown so much grace and compassion. They have gone beyond what most people would have been capable of. The fact that they can separate him for what his illness made him do is a true gift to Michael.
It is awesome that his family supports him! Mental illness has to be a tough thing to deal with. I wonder how many people in society have some form of mental illness? Some may deal with differently and not show signs. This world will chew you up and spit you out in a hurry.
Omg when I heard what he had done. Holy crap I feel soo bad for everyone, the mom, the family and esp michael who must feel soo horrible for what he did due to his illness :( absolutely tragic
My mom grew up with her mom and her brother both suffering from this illness all her life she said it was very scary knowing outburst like those can cost her life always aware of them and trying to distance herself in the home.But she her mom and her brother are all alive and well and it's been 45yrs 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I have schizophrenia and have been in a psych ward a couple of times, and while I’ve never had the voices tell me to hurt others I can sympathise with everyone involved here, it’s overwhelming and scary to slip into psychosis, thank you for this documentary ❤
I'm the same, I'm lucky I don't get command hallucinations and have never been vilont, as long as I take my meds and see my psychologist I'm good for the most part..
The saddest part about growing up with a sister that has schizophrenia is seeing the child- like behavior that I see in these patients. When 1 family member has a mental illness, the entire family goes through the emotions 😔 . The simple fact that it could've been me instead is what humbles me
The suffering of your sister far outweighs yours. Schizophrenia is not genetic. You can't catch it. So many families are in denial. Schizophrenia comes out of families because families are sick. The entire family. Your sister is just the sickest one. It is good to see that the attention is back on families. The brain disease theory is now being replaced with what happened to the person diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is about responding to trauma. So, try to wake up. Finally, many MH professionals are focused on trauma now. I feel sorry for your sister because you are talking trash about her. That's what families do. They blame the sickest one. So happy that the disease theory has been debunked.
@lulazeta8965 you actually can't feel bad for my sister. It's impossible, you're feeling bad WITHIN yourself. feeling bad is your response to my statement o With your perception based on your personal experiences in life. You may think u know so much, but really your perception is limited- your ego is trying to blow you bigger than what you are. Truly, you are just like everybody else, know very little.
As someone suffering with pretty severe mental illness (such as severe depression psychosis), this was one of the most respectful, honest, informative videos I’ve ever seen. I deeply appreciate how none of the patients are edited or played up to be “villains,” but they were shown in a humane and honest way. Thank you so much for taking the time to create something so amazing.
I wish you healing, peace, and fulfillment Shani. I'm sorry you're suffering, but there's a lot of love out there in the universe. Hang tight, you're "playing life on hard mode" and you're still here! That's badass.
I agree. This doc is hopefully to many others an eye opener, it stunned me.... and it is worldwide a health issue. Sadly many countries don't have the knowledge nor facilities like seen in this documentary. 💯👍👍👍
I'm not so sure there's many families out there that would even think about showing their son / brother or sister the support that Michael receives from his family or the forgiveness. Mental health issues or not most would just pray that he'd never see the light of day again. So yeah he should really be counting his blessings.
@@ms.chrisie8040 yes he has wonderful blessings in the form of forgiveness and a truly wonderful family. But his blessings stop there. Michael didn't kill his mother, his illness did. It isn't his fault. And now that he is no longer criminally insane, he will have to live with what he did for the rest of his life. It's truly awful for everyone. I can't imagine it
Speaking as a retired Deputy Sheriff who used to sit with and transport people who had been involuntarily committed to mental institutions, this video is extremely helpful in demonstrating to the public that mental illness can be successfully treated and that individuals suffering from it can live productive normal lives.
I hope it taught you to be humane with those of us who have been in that situation. I've dealt with this more times than I care to admit and some of the officers were very callous, but many more were very humane. We're just sick, that's all.
@@HedlessChickn I always thought that, if it could happen to one person, it could happen to me, I treated others like I would like to be treated if I were in their situation. Also, in Virginia, law enforcement is trained in "Community Policing'.
“He still hasn’t forgiven himself.” That broke my heart. It’s sad that he is angry over something he could not control. I can’t imagine going through that. God bless him, his family, and all the beautiful patients who are struggling. They are very strong and precious people.
I suffer with borderline personality disorder and I have destroyed my life over and over and over and over again and I’ve heard it called the “incurable” disorder. I don’t know when it started I just became derailed very quickly. Watching Justine I thought of myself instantly. I’ve matured a lot with age, but I was her. When she said she enjoyed the feeling right before you die, I know that feeling. I chipped 2 teeth from choking myself out to feel that feeling. And I’ve never heard anyone else say that, and I just hurt inside hearing her say it, out loud, so clearly, I knew what she meant. And the scary part is I knew she meant it. When I saw Justine on the documentary I didn’t have a liking for her. I instantly thought “she wants attention” and I hate when girls act like that.. going through therapy, I’ve learn that’s because they remind me of myself. I don’t even know why I’m writing this. I am so shook after watching this whole doc. I’ve been in and out of wards, never criminal, and this just is so real. The chaos, the anxiety, the emotion, the anger, the sexual tension, all of it. I hate that word, incurable… I’m not fixed, no, but I am better. I have a normal life today. And I don’t go to the hospital 4-6 times a year anymore, I can be a mother to my children, on my own. In my own place. I don’t put hands on people anymore. I am a person finally. So if you are watching this and you have BPD and you hear that word, incurable, please don’t give up. It can get so much better for you.
@@juliemitchell8983 hang in there and get help, I seen you posted this just hours before I saw it and I just got done watching this documentary and I feel terrible you feel the way you do. If they can all get through this you can too. Please get help.
The sad part is that she was correct about Charles and Debbie. They talked extremely nastily behind her back. As for Sal, he was unfaithful to her (It’s clear that he possesses enough psychological capacity to know that he cheated on her.).
@@NicoleCzarnecki how do you know that they talked behind her back?? Cheating is never OK but to be honest I don't get why Sal ever even went for Carol instead of some of the other women there.
My brother has a paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis, he witnessed two of his closest friends get killed. And that traumatic event triggered off his mental illness. He is now aged 42. Got diagnosed at age 24. It so hard to see a loved one deteriorating. I pray for anyone who is going through mental illness.
My heart absolutely breaks for Michael. You can see in his eyes he's an earnest man. A kind man. You can also see how hurt he is by what happened. I hope he continues to lean on his amazing family for support. He deserves so much love.
@@JoryBarrett Where in this story you don’t get the fact that he is mentally ill.This is called insanity under diminished responsibility.He was mentally ill when he committed this crime do you understand that.
I just want to give Michael a big hug and tell him it's okay. He has so much pain in his eyes and he's clearly so articulate but struggling to grasp onto his train of thought properly, it's heart-breaking to see.
Agree - I think Michael Is goinng to make it in life. he has lived through a nightmare situation that will never leave him. If he keeps o his meds he will go on to have a family of his own im sure . I wish him all the luck in the world. & his family are amazing also
come on! he killed his mother - no matter what the reason it's not ok. its never going to ne ok and he knows it. only one way this can end. he will kill himself too.
@@robyndaniels1381 No amount of hugs or saying "it's okay" will make what Michael feels better. I do so agree with you Robyn. However, it is probably a natural human reaction to want to take Michael's pain away from him - I know that is my reaction too watching Michael's distress. The psychiatrist had the best advice which is to "run with it" until they see where Michael is going with it. Most of us have done something "wrong" at some point in our lives (usually, but of course not always, when we are young), that we can never forget and we have to live with the consequences because yes, even another person's sympathy doesn't make you feel better. They say that the Buddha was the first psychiatrist and that the most important consideration was (is) the intention behind what you did wrong. Michael was seriously mentally ill when he did what he did so I don't know how he had an "intention" if you see what I mean (I am not a doctor). The Michael that we are watching here would say that his intention was not to kill - we can see all that clearly, but to get to some sort of real healing is a very long road, we all know this, which is why this is heartbreaking. Buddhism started to save my life when things seemed impossible and I used to say to my friends, call me "Milly" because it seemed my progress could only be measured in millimetres (LOL but so true) and I think that we can only apply this type of approach in understanding to Michael's distress.
Michaels family understanding he's a victim aswell made me just cry. I'm so thankful his family is so kind to him though all of this. You can see Michael is clearly upset by this and understands it wasn't right. I'm sure he's filled with guilt. What a great documentary
He seems to be intelligent and well spoken. Who knows what medically the future may hold for him? Is he just saying what he believes everyone wants to hear or is making an honest attempt to be open about what's happening and learn how to deal with his issues? Out of everyone they showed, he seems to be one of the more likely to actually work through the program and use the tools he's acquiring to have a chance of a healthy and safe future out of the facility.
The most touching for me was when he talked about how forgiveness and trust take time to earn, it's a slow process. And when he talked about him not being able to grieve. He's intelligent and he seems to have a good heart. Oh, and that smile! ☺ I hope he's receiving ongoing help (therapy) and he's doing well.
Michael's mum would be proud of all he has achieved. You can really see the pain in his eyes. I wish them all well with good health, physical and mental. Some of those mental health workers are worth their weight in gold!
I live in the town this was filmed in and know Micheal. He is doing much better these days. His mother indeed would be proud. His family sticking by him through it all is a blessing.
As of December 2020, Justine was convicted of arson once again, this time with expressed intent of being sent back to a mental health facility. 🥺 As someone who lives and struggles with mental health issues, I don't know how to feel about absolute discharge. It's extremely disorienting when you're suddenly alone again.
Absolute discharge does not seem right. It is clear that many of the inmates were mentally disabled (without normal adult IQs) as well as mentally ill. I do not feel that many of them would be able to care for themselves, as individual adults, in the outside world. Many of them, I believe, need help and support.
@@Saffron-sugar You're completely right. Govts with budgets that are ballooning for all things have abdicated the care of mental illness. It was shocking decades ago when they tossed most of them out on the street, but worse yet, now they have withdrawn all care entirely in nearly every case, at least in Alberta and Manitoba. Plus they haven't done what need to do get new people, workers that is, into the feild, or to retain the ones they have who naturally burn out realky fast. The result is that there is no mental health care to speak of in Canada, except for the very worst of emergencies. You cannot see a psychiatrist, no matter what the reason or how bad the need. It's pitiful and shocking. To see what those 2 provincial govts have done is SO shocking, and I hear Saskatchewan is bad too. Why on earth do people tolerate the right wing Conservatives? They have decimated the entire health care system. There are some cases where the staff have succeeded in supplying quality care despite the fragmented system they work in, but there many cases where people recieved appallingly bad care due to lack of resources. The Conservatives are determined to destroy health care by starving it in every way, so that then they can say "See. It doesn't work." The plan is to tear it all down, and sell what's left off to themselves, for profit and huge kickbacks. Then their kids will profit even more, as the owners and people running the new for-profit system. It will only serve the richest, but who cares about that, then you are already one of the rich?! Sorry. Mental health care and psychology have learned a lot in the last 50 years, and meds have improved so much. It's too bad that the professionals are not being given the chance to help very many people, and society in general is becoming sicker at a fast rate.
@@Saffron-sugar And so without a normal I.Q. or even normal mental function they would not have the sophisticated socialization and calculation necessary to carry out devious crimes and bad intentions.
I used to work on a psych ward as a mental Health tech. At times it could be very scary but then you realize that what the patient is going through is even scarier. I think about them very often and pray that they find peace.
@@brocktoon8 It's not mutually exclusive where you can only care for one or the other. And besides, it's more likely OGbobby worked on a non-forensic psych ward anyway, so there wouldn't be any major victims.
@@leahgreene5880 You hit the nail on the head. This was a ward where people were suicidal and were and danger to themselves or others. We never took people in that had murdered anyone but there was always the possibility of danger.
What a tragedy mental illness can be, this family (Michaels') have stood by him and supported him and watching the family discussing their mother and looking at old photos is heart wrenching. Sometimes you just don't realise how fortunate you are.
Then you also have states that force you to give up your rights to children, especially teens who have mental illness just to get them the residential treatment they deserve. That’s all presented by the government as “what’s in the best interest of the child” when only the 24/7 care is what’s best for the child but not to be alienated from their parents. However, when your life has been turned upside down and your safety and your child’s safety is on the line, what choice do you really have? I know because our almost 17 yo daughter has been in a psychiatric hospital for 18 months. She recently got her much needed placement in one of the nicer residential facilities nearby for juveniles until the age of 21. I desperately just want to still visit her at the very least and will find out today if that’s an offer or if I’ll have to keep battling in the courts. What some of us parents and our mentally ill children go through is unbelievable. You can’t even make this stuff up.
There are articles on Michael. He left a psychiatric physicality, took a cab to his home, and went in the back door and waited for her to come home. She died of blunt force trauma. He believed his mom was "sucking energy" from him. He had started showing signs of mental illness long before the incident. He wouldn't accept his diagnosis and wasn't taking his meds etc.. The family had noticed bizarre activity from him around end of high school. This is heartbreaking 💔...
@@stefaniecurry5804 Taking away rights to children by adolescent mentally challenged individuals is not a bad idea. I'm not a stranger to mental health issues.
I Love my sister Jolantina Pilarski R . I . P She suffered from this disease but lost her Life to Cancer. Grateful for watching this documentary. When I see Carol I see my sister.
What a great documentary. My brother suffered from schizophrenia and mental illness. He literally would tell us about voices telling him to do stuff and how everyone is talking about him that he’s a failure and will amount to nothing. Watching this made me resonate with him. He finally took his life on his birthday. He had just turned 32. Mental illness is very complex and difficult disease that no one asked to get. I wish Michael and the other lady who was discharged to the community all the best.
Your comment was so kind. I also lost a sibling to mental illness. I am able now to remember the best of her. I hope it is the same for you and I’m sorry for your loss.
@@bobsgirl100 Sorry for your loss Theresa. Yes, I hold on to the great memories and I’m glad they are not tormented no more. My brother’s loss made me very empathetic towards people struggling with mental health . Sorry for your loss too.
Heartbreaking. So many people don’t understand mental illness. They think it’s a cop out, an excuse . He would’ve never done that to anyone. I hate it for the entire family, esp mom😢
Stellar documentary. It absolutely ripped my heart out near the end when Michael said “I grieve alone!” Thank you for making this film and shedding a little bit of light on the “disease” of Schizophrenia. To all who suffer with any form mental illness you do not grieve alone!
Michael seems so incredibly sweet and emotionally aware. I truly couldnt imagine having this awful disease steal my life. His brother was exactly right, there were two victims in this tragedy. It warmed my heart to see his smile at the end. There is always hope ❤
My partner is schizophrenic. He is one of the kindest people you could hope to meet when he takes his meds and stays sober. He is in jail atm due to a mental health crisis. The hardest part is he didn't even know the amount of damage caused. We had to explain & go over it multiple times. Hes still trying to register what happened. We need more mental health resources. For people with the condition as well as their families
I worked in a forensic ward during the pandemic. Very rarely was there a need to restrain or force medicate. I have NEVER done as much craft, played scrabble or chess in my life. It's important to learn de-escalation techniques and always, ALWAYS remember your three core conditions (empathy, authenticity, unconditional positive regard). Good medication without leaving a patient too tired/drowsy or agitated is also important. Shout out to all health workers out there!
People like Dr Stephen Seager (Behind the Gates of Gomorrah etc) would disagree very, very strongly with you. A Forensic Psych ward, you said, are you sure though? And what was your job there? Let's all be careful about our limited experience and information, as not to mislead complete innocents. This documentary obviously wouldn't show the bare bones of what truly happens. It's like watching prison shows and believing they depict real life behind bars. What people should remember is that the criminally insane are both criminal and insane. Yes they are ill. But beyond what's considered merely ill. Is there a very high rate of recividism, yes.
Thank you for what you do, as someone whos been involuntarily committed many times (not criminal, just a 5150) there's so many mh works that have made a major difference in my life, both long term residential and the ward.
Maybe the police should take victims more seriously when they report a crime being committed against them.. Justice for targeted individuals! Myron May, seemi Williams. And others who claimed to be electronically harrased stalked and assaulted. People's literal minds literal brains. Mkultra v2k and now A.I. People who misuse technology to mind hack others should face some of the harshest penalties under the law.. Targeted individuals are denied the proper medical and legal investigation. These are heinous attacks on people's literal minds.. medical negligence and police professional negligence. They don't investigate internet hacking crimes? What I've been told. Justice for targeted individuals.. stop electronic harassment stalking tracking and abuse. It's unconstitutional. No one is above the law.
My mother was paranoid schizophrenic for over 10 years, it was brought on through drugs. She would lie to psychiatrists and therapists about hearing voice because she didn’t want to be taken to facilities. She was really good at hiding it when she wanted to. She never took medication for it because she truly thought she wasn’t mentally ill because the voices and delusions were so real. About a year ago she got into a physical altercation with her husband and got sent to jail. My mother was always kind and was never a physical person, but her delusions were so real and when in fear for her life she could turn violent. She was in jail for over 6 months and during her time in there my grandmother (her mom) pleaded with her public defender to get her sent to a place like this documentary was taken in. He tried his best but when they did a psychiatric evaluation by 2 psychiatrists she lied to them and completely denied she was mentally ill. Sadly as soon as she got out of jail she started taking drugs again (Xanax and pain pills). A few weeks after she got out her body was found face down by a park. She had accidentally overdosed, i believe she tried to take the dosage she used to be on and since her tolerance went down while she was in jail her body couldn’t handle it. I have many regrets about me and my mothers relationship. I talked to her for the first week after she got out, but when i realized she was back onto the wrong path and was asking me to help her get pain pills i started ignoring her calls… i had many missed calls from her for the week leading up to her death. Thinking of how she probably felt that i didn’t care about her or love her really hurts. Hug your loved ones.. and America really needs to do a better job for their mentally ill citizens.
I am sorry you had to live through all this pain! What a tragedy! I do understand that you are beating yourself up because of ignoring your mother's calls. But you only tried to protect yourself - and rightfully so! You just did what is always recommended when dealing with an addict. This world is a dark place and sometimes we simply have to NOT fulfill others destructive needs to survive physically or mentally. It is our duty to ourselves. Please ask the Holy Spirit to help you to forgive yourself, he will gladly show you how because God loves you and doesn't want you to suffer. And God (and also your mother ) know that you still loved her and didnt mean anything bad but only wanted to protect yourself. May God bless you!
I am the daughter of a drunkard and a workoholic. I am a single mom as I lost my kid's dad to alcohol abuse. My dearest, I have only one thing to say: each human does the max in life so please, do not feel guilty because each adult makes personal choices. Just live your best life! We all did, do and will do the best we can on this planet! Stay safe, make your life a happy one vecause you matter!
I'm so sorry for what happened to you're mom and never blame yourself it's not you're fault and God will give you peace just ask. May God give you the strength that you need and they need to have more Awareness about mental health.
My Uncle suffered from Schizo, from 19 years of age till he passed away at 56. When he was not ill, he was the LIGHT of the room, his heart was bigger than anybody else I had ever met, his kindness knew no bounds, he was funny, sweet, kind, generous, the pinnacle of human decency. When he was ill, he was scarey, he had this dead face, this sick look to in his eyes, this dread to him to not trust him. I am happy For Michael Stewart, I hope he lives a long happy life, he deserves to live a life, his mother would want him to be happy.
This is the type of documentary on mental illness that should be filmed and presented to the public. Not depictions of 'crazy' people who are a lost cause. If anyone disagrees with the outcome of these peoples lives, after they have been treated and helped to the point where they are able to go back into the public and have a life, then you must believe in locking people up and throwing the key. What happened to rehabilitation? or is it out of sight out of mind for some of you,
I'm not sure but I do agree with his dad. He needs to have constant access to support as many patients do stop taking their meds after a while. It's also true to say that not all patients do that but then not all patients brutally murder their mothers so 🤷♀
@@zoe9632 In Australia, we have something called the National Disability scheme. People are allowed out of the prison like, mental health facilities, and they stay in a group home, where there are usually two people, who have 24 hour care 7days a week. They wear an ankle bracelet, which has an inbuilt tracking system. It's all government funded, and it seems to be working well...
For me out of sight out of mind is just fine. We don't need crazy people out here interacting with society when they could just snap at any moment. I couldn't care less about your "hurr durr muh feelinks' arguments.
I met one of the patients featured here when she was around 19 years old. It was strange for me to see her here but I'm not surprised. She had a tragic life and experienced a lot of abuse. I just wish her well and I hope she's safe 🙏
In the UK where I live male and female psychiatric patients are kept on separate wards to prevent the two sexes from interacting with each other. It keeps them safe. It prevents sexual activity and assault.
Males and females do have contact in psych wards in the uk. Although i havent been in one in 6 years, may have changed since then but ive been in 7 and only 1 high security one i was in didnt let males and females anywhere near each other.
Yeah They have got separate sleeping room area's now but the day room and all those areas are mixed.. It is for the best I spoke to some of the old boys about sexual abuse happening between some of the male patients and female one.. Now it's only the male staff that abuse the women in guess.. The last time I was in there (Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich) the staff where very "hands on" and I can still hear the screams of some of the young attractive girls all night long from being restrained much more then they need to be and a lot of the male staff abusing their power and sexual touching them so it made no real significant change to safety at all sadly
So nah unfortunately it does not help with the sexual assault.. if I was a person needing to get a close female sectioned I would think long and hard about it as they will almost certainly be sexually touched if they act out in any way that may need restraint.. They take advantage.. I've seen 4 to 8 males on one 18 year old female weighing no more then 8 stone and her head is wedged in between one of their thighs while she screams get off me you Paedophile and other male nurses holding her near and on the butt area and she held there a long time then taken into their room and strapped up its awful it really is
In the uk any man “identifying “ as a woman is placed with women in only women spaces , like women’s prisons ( Google Karen white ) , shelters for battered women and female wards at the hospitals , so the uk is not exactly a good example of women’s safety .
Yeah but what do you do w/ all the trans stuff now? No one knows who anyone is anymore w/ all that so how to handle that when you need to separate male and female patients?
Michaels family are amazing they have managed to see past the horrible crime he committed because they knew how Ill he was! That takes a lot of strength
In a way, I’d say the grace that Michael’s family gives him is partly testament to his mother’s awesome job at parenting her children. Ironic that she’s the one he would murder. So tragic for all of them. Poor Michael. He’s so fearful of leaving the place that has kept him stable for so long.
My mom was a nurse on a psych ward for the criminally insane for over 15 years and I only got to visit her on the ward at work 3 times when they had “bring your daughter to work day” (and I wasn’t allowed in certain areas with more problematic patients). This is the closest thing to seeing my mom’s actual work life that I’ve watched.
Mad respect for your mom! My Ex Husband's Aunt(my inlaw) was a Psych charge nurse for over 30 yrs and I have never met a tougher cookie than her. That is one stressful job and not just any nurse is cut out for it! XX
My mom also worked in a state run mental institution for 20 years and when it closed they transferred her to the forensic center...the worst of the worst were there. She brought me on the ward of the mental institution a couple of times. When I was a pre-teen she would say this is what would happen if you did drugs... best drug deterrent ever. 😉
My heart goes out for these people. The incident that happened with his mom is really eating him inside and it’s just sad and depressed at the same time.
Can you just imagine coming out of a manic/psychotic haze and realizing you violently ended the life of the woman who gave you(him!) life? It is a prison in his mind and idk if that poor guy will ever come to terms with it and move forward. It's so sad because you can TELL! He loved his mom very much and tortures himself over what happened. Beyond sad. Major props to his family for loving him through this. For recognizing his mind is sick just like a diabetic would die if they didn't take their medicine and monitor their glucose. We all have an inner child inside our ego. His is hurting so badly! 😢
@@chasnfireflies317 Same here. His case makes me cry! He is such a handsome, sweet guy. You would never guess if you met him on the street what happened in his life. He has a beautiful smile at the end when he's ice skating. I just hope he uses it more. I feel so bad for him and his family. Not many siblings would stand by their brother and encourage him after something like that happened. I feel bad for all of them!
I can't even imagine the suffering Michael's dad must have gone through. To have your own child kill the love of your life, because of his illness. I can only imagine the range of emotions he still must go through 😓 I'm glad that psychiatry has made a massive progress from the medieval tortures patients were going though, but it's still got a long way to go. What's sad is that many people still dismiss it/don't understand it
There is a dad in Texas who recently got his son off of death row. He was on death row for paying his friends to kill his dad, mom and brother for financial reasons and his dad was the sole survivor. He was successful because he pleaded with the governor not to kill the only family he has left. His son pleaded guilty and admits he did this. He visits his son as often as he can. Now I only have one child so I can't put myself in his shoes and his son was not mentally ill. Not like Michael is. I mean I can't imagine the pain he went through and he should teach classes on forgiveness. I've often wondered if that makes his son feel worse that he isn't angry or if he is thankful. It seems like Michael's family's forgiveness made him feel worse sometimes.I mean this happened in Texas and it's very rare for the governor to intervene at the last minute and I mean last minute. I believe it was 30 minutes before they were going to start.
It helps that he had other family members to suffer with. That sounds bad, but it's reality. She was Great person & in turn raised great children with great morals.
I worked in a facility like this for 4 years. It took years off my life I swear and drained my soul. The injuries I sustained and things I saw I could write a book. It absolutely breaks my heart that people are so well but can't reach recovery and have to stay in these institutions.
@@v0rtecks I was attacked on numerous occasions. I have pictures of all the bruises, cuts and bite marks. I sustained broken ribs and even torn muscles. Clients would become escalated and just wanted to fight or hurt themselves. Destroy things by breaking them; for example smash a tv or break furniture. Many times just people going in to crisis moments or psychotic breaks. I learned a lot of hands on de-escalation from it. Had a client cut himself with broken glass and throw his blood at us and smear it on himself in an attempt to prevent us from restraining him. I witnessed someone headbutt a door so hard it literally came off the hinges. Clients would do a lot of self harm known as SIB(self injury behavior). They would use anything and everything to stab or cut themselves. If you intervened you would most like also get hurt. One client gouged out their own eyes and bit off their own tongue. It happened so unbelievably fast. The strength of some of the clients was unreal. Witnessed someone smaller then myself lift a sofa like it was a back pack and throw it across the room. I have unfortunately a lot more stories but some are very traumatic. It isn't for the faint of heart and it takes a strong understanding that they really need help. A lot of their behaviors stem from mental illness. It isn't an excuse but it does make you empathic. I honestly don't think I could ever do it again. My body still hurts from all the old wounds and scar tissue. Mentally I still have ptsd from an attack. Sudden loud noises or someone coming up from behind and tapping me on the shoulder sends me in to fight mode. It is a life long struggle. I tell anyone wanting to do it that it isn't easy and never will be. Just be prepared for a lot of traumatic experiences.
Maybe write a book. I and others are curious about how people are and live and what went trough them to get there. I have a dutch book. Een gang door de psychiatrie. So mindblowing how brains work.
It’s astounding how clearly written on the faces, body language and in the little neurological tics of Michaels family how difficult handling all of it in an ongoing fashion truly is
@@OutragedPufferfish In a simpler term..it's not that hard to see how uncomfortable it made them..expressing how they felt. Clearly torn, they loved their mother, and hate the disease michael has, but don't hate him. Empathy runs strong in that family, something the world should have more of, towards every living being !!!
Right, you can see on the daughters/sisters face the anger that's still there. And I don't blame her. The mind is a brilliant yet also scary thing, how quick it can turn.
This just an incredibly well put together documentary. So very insightful as we get a glimpse into each situation. Michael’s story in particular touched my heart. His family showed an extraordinary understanding and compassion that is rare to see.
The people that work there are super human. When Carole was crying because she had sucidal thoughts and the guy nurse was trying to calm her down, I think my heart exploded 🥹
Same, I’ve been to a hospital which is under the same organization as this hospital and was spoken to the exact same while having a breakdown one time, made me cry, but also felt very comforted to know it must be something they teach all nurses in the royal mental health hospital
Jesus …let them have a garden and go outside in nature and put them to work …have them have a sense of purpose , get them to plant a garden, a tree , a flower …dont just let them be useless like this …make them see life and nature
I WAS KEPT IN ISOLATION AND RESTRAINTS MOST OF MY LIFE, WICH I ALWAYS ENJOYED. I WAS SENT TO NY HUDSON PRISON FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE FOR TRYING TO CUT ANOTHER GUYS HEAD OFF WHEN I WAS 16 THE JUDGE STATED THAT HE HOPED I WOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO WALK THE STREETS AGAIN IN HIS LIFETIME, I WAS BACK OUT IN SOCIETY 4 YEARS LATER.. I HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD BECAUSE I WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF MENTAL ILLNESS. I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GET BETTER. I LOVE HURTING PEOPLE AND HAVE SINCE I WAS 6, IM 50 NOW AND HAVE ENJOYED MY LIFE IMMENSLY. IM TOO OLD NOW IV HURT ALL THE PEOPLE IM GOING TO NOW, SO IM RETIRED. UNLESS I RUN OUT OF FOOD THEN PEOPLE BECOME MY 1ST CHOICE FOR A MEAL. PEOPLE ARE JUST CATTLE TO ME
I wonder if they did genetics tests on them they can heal them with vitamins and proper meds. I hate the way they treat them. They don't want them healed
@@carolynbohannon4602 probably because they are there for their violent behavior not just because they are skitzophrenic . The nurse said they had murder there . Imagine what a violent person can do with a shevel ? Yes they could pick up the fruits and vegetable from a garden but I would never let them in the yard with sharp tools .
My heart goes out to all those who face every day with mental challenges that they don't always understand. I have a daughter with Bipolar and it's easy to forget that her disorder is there and that she needs extra help. This documentary reminded me that I need to be more sensitive towards her.
It really is tough. I have OCD, Insomnia, GAD, Autism, auditory processing disorder, social anxiety, CPTSD, and Major Depressive Disorder as well as addictions I'm in recovery for. I also have many physical disabilities as well. It's really hard most days but I push on. My heart always goes out to those who are suffering. God bless to u and ur daughter. I hope she feels better eventually with the right meds or therapy or both. I have friends who have bipolar disorder and they are very misunderstood by many. They aren't bad people. They have an illness in the brain that they can't control. Bipolar or other mental illnesses is just like any other chronic illnesses out there. 🤗🤗
I love the self reflection&vulnerability. You obviously love her so much, I'm sure yore doing great. As parents were so hard on ourselves, it says everything that this was your takeaway ❤️
Watching Michael, you can see why his family have stood by him, you can clearly see what a kind, incredible person he is...... You can't help but to just love him.... I can not think of anyone better to show the world that someone's mental illness is not at all who they truly are... I hope he is doing well, because I just adored him ❤
Same. I really feel for him and his family. His family supporting him after all that’s happened not only shows what an incredible family he has, what an incredible job his parents did to raise these loving children, and who Michael is as a person for them to continue to support him so ardently. I truly hope he reaches a point when managing his schizophrenia with minimal support required, and that he’s able to build a life that he can feel content with and proud of.
Why dont any of you people "feel" anything for his victim and potential next victims? Disgusting! Apparently they didnt do that great of a job he killed one of his parents hello!! Is anyone in there? You all love to "feel" but cant "think" @@Liliarthan
I am a medically controlled psychotic. I have been since I was 13. My heart breaks for Michael, and his family, for all of the people in that place. If someone has an epileptic fit out of nowhere, and crashes the car they were driving, killing one of those in that car, you don't blame them. You feel bad for them, and sad that there was a loss of life. Serious mental illness is just the same. It's just that the chemicals in our brains stopped working for some reason or other. I'm so glad Michael's family could see past their shock, and grief, in order to understand. That takes a lot. That's true family. Without their support like that, he wouldn't have been able to have any chance at a normal life, I don't think. I personally, have never killed anyone. But I have hurt people. They have always hurt me first though, and badly, before I snapped. Even though the person who was abusing me for so many years, decades, tried to kill me, I didn't do it to them. I just defended myself. That person actually had a heart attack, about six months before that incident, and I did CPR on them, brought them back. Called the ambulance. I wondered why I did that, for a long time. If I had just let him die, my life would have been better. But, I didn't want to be responsible for his death, even by omission of my own actions. Mental illness does not make you a monster: it just makes you ill. And its very hard, things don't make sense, the world is terrifying, you do not get any rest. Even when you are asleep, you have terrible nightmares. When you are awake, you see, hear and feel awful things. You always have to be watchful, constantly keeping track of how you feel, what is going on, what is real, and what is not. You're second guessing every thought. "Is that really what is happening? Is it in my head? Are these delusions? Can I trust what I'm hearing and seeing?" It never ends. You want to protect people around you, in case you have an episode, but short of locking yourself alone into your house, there's no real way to be 100% sure. I do not let my condition excuse any of my behaviour. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that I am a lot more watchful of how I treat others, what I do, and say, than your are in the general public. Many who have mental illness do the same. They don't speak out about it because of the stigma. People judge you, when they don't even know you, what you are struggling against, or what you've had done to you in your life. People who have never been sick this way think those with severe mental illnesses are something *other,* completely different from "normal" people. We're not. We all have hopes, things we want to do with our life, faults, thoughts, everything that makes up a person. It could happen to anyone: literally anyone. You could be just one accident or traumatic experience away from ending up sick. It could be you, a year down the line. So, trying to judge and segregate people who do have mental illnesses is quite foolish. But documentaries like this are at least showing us as what we are: people. A bit broken, true, but still people.
Wow how articulate you are. I’m severely mentally ill too. I too have never killed anyone but I have hurt people but only if they have hurt me first and I’ve snapped as a result. Thanks for sharing.
I worked in a group home and schizophrenia has to be one of the saddest illnesses I’ve ever been around. It can be frightening at times but mostly it’s just plain sad to witness.
Yes it can be frightening but there are also some patients ( believe it or not) that actually enjoy there hallucinations and if on a good medication programme they can live there best life . Obviously compliance is another problem and I do understand the down side regarding medication. Sending you all the very best......
@Rosie Makepeace your probably best having a talk with his key worker - if he will let you - and they should be able to help you in accordance to his care plan. It’ would be good to have a number in which you can call Incase he has a psychotic episode and you need help! All those things his key worker should be able to help with, obviously keep an eye out as far as medication is concerned. There are different degrees of his illness, some suffer more than others. You must be a very lovely person to stand by him. It takes a lot of patience and understanding....good luck x
Such compassion from the man from staff for Carol who’s having a bad day. Made me tear up 💗 What an angel 😇 he is!!! Every place needs staff who can show they care while still staying safe.
@@jasminflower3814 yes I do agree… but I also realize that something like that could definitely be problematic simply due to how things might be taken( like carol saying that male staff member r@ping her). Unfortunately they have to safeguard/protect themselves when it comes to things like that…you know?
@@jasminflower3814 it's EXTREMELY important to keep very clear boundaries in settings like this it's to easy for someone to get confused and staff to get hurt that way
@@beautytryouts Yes you are right, its very sad it has to be that way. Healing touch is so important to some people, I would shrivel up and die if I didn't get it. Thats probably why straight females end up getting a girlfriend in jail as there is no one else to give them that kind healing human touch. I am not talking sexual touch, just kind, caring healing touch like massage, reflexology on the feet, or just stroking some forehead and head to calm them down.
@@Cat-cl7md Yes, I understand how that could happen. Maybe if they did it in a "special" calming room with cameras at all angles but then there still is the problem of the patients falling in love with the staff etc. But still, nothing can happen in a camera monitored room and boundaries would be very clear. I think it would be so beneficial for most of the patients well being. But the way things are these days, with suing etc, it wont happen.
My brother died last year at 55, probably from simple heart failure, but he suffered from the same illness as Michael. I won’t go into his story except to say he was brilliant and talented and funny and then, he was 15, and things just got worse from there. He distanced himself from family, I don’t know why except he had changed so much he probably couldn’t connect with us anymore, nor we with him. He didn’t kill anyone I know of, but at points, he was capable. It’s a very cruel disease.
I did volunteer work with a family in need years ago. Their son was about 15 when he became schizophrenic. Up until then he was a sweet boy, so kind to stray animals , helping them to feel loved. He just became more distant, living in a delusional world. Last i heard he was living on streets. A cruel disease indeed. This was decades ago, i still think of him and pray for him
Something I wish everyone realized is that this could be any one of us. Mental illness - and I don't just mean depression - can happen to anyone at any time. Sometimes it's a trauma that triggers it, sometimes it can be genetic and/or environment related. Our brains are extremely complex, and there are endless ways for mental illness to develop. The reality is, none of us are immune to it. One other important thing that needs to be understood is that people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often go off their medication because they're doing well and think they no longer need it. Blaming them for stopping their medication is not only unproductive, it's not realistic. The non-compliance is part of the illness. Michael's family is quite amazing. Suffering such a loss in such a horrible way, but being able to understand that his illness is what caused his actions, and continuing to show him love and support. 😄
@Emma Seafrey I'm happy to hear that. I've been taking antidepressants for 20 years, and I know that it's just part of my healthcare. It's no different from the thyroid medication I need because my thyroid doesn't produce properly. Of course I wish that I didn't need to take it, but the reality is, depression runs very heavily on both sides of my family. I started to experience it in my early teens, but didn't understand what it was until I was an adult because it wasn't something that was discussed back then. Like I said before, our brains are very complex. There are a billion things going on in there. Tons of potential for something to not be working correctly. Everyone understands that all of our other organs are vulnerable to illness, why not our brains? As for why some people stop taking their medication, the reasons differ. When it's antidepressants or anxiety medication, people often do manage to recover and are fine without it. But that's because there are other forms of therapy that can help, and those conditions often are temporary. Schizophrenia and bipolar aren't temporary, and the inability to make good and rational choices is a symptom. Especially with bipolar, thoughts of invincibility can convince the person that they don't need the meds. It's just difficult to get someone with those conditions to understand that the medication is necessary for them to feel better. The other factor is that their medications can often cause them to feel numb or detached, and they don't want that so they stop their meds. It's all a pretty complicated area, but definitely interesting.
@@EazytheNDAcaptain I had to learn that same lesson with antidepressants. I was diagnosed with major depression in 1998, and started taking them at that time. Things got better, and I thought my depression was under control, so I stopped taking them after a couple years. Things started slowly going downhill after that, and after about a year off the antidepressants, I got back on them, and have pretty much been on them ever since. It’s a small price to pay for a better outlook on life. 😊
You can really tell the shame and guilt Michael feels about what he did, to the point he doesn’t really want to be out in the community due to shame of it. And for his family to stand by him really shows their strength and the ability to forgive. My prayers go out to them
Also I feel for Michael because once the "fog" lifted and he realized what he did, I imagine that it has made his recovery(?) challenging. And while his family still supports him, you can tell that they're struggling to forgive him. Sad.
I believe he DID NOT get to killing her but did beat her up. His mom talked him out of it and forgave him afterwards . His remorse is b/c he did beat her up. She died years after the incident and not as a consequence.
@@charzz123 yeah it’s so hard to watch them suffer. They changed the laws in the 1980’s under Reagan so they make committing them harder, and they and their families suffer.
For the people suffering with it yes it is worse to feel numb, when they're violent, they're usually going through some sort of psychosis so aren't fully aware of it. They are in their right minds when they take the meds that make them feel numb and thats whats hard for them
I cannot get over how strong and supportive Michael's family is. God bless them all I pray they all receive the support they're giving Michael. Even after what happened. Its hard for people to understand he is not evil. He did not want to do what he done. You can see the pain in his eyes and he will live with that the rest of his life.
My heart truly goes out to Michael and his family. Have you seen the documentary My son killed his sister? Check it out and let me know. There’s a huge difference between Michael who showed remorse and regret and the other guy (I forget his name)
My ex-husband is schizophrenic. The man doesn't have a violent bone in his body. But it was still very difficult, and although it wasn't the reason for our split, I don't think our issues would have gotten as big as they did if he did not have the illness. It made him so paranoid and distrustful. It was heartbreaking and frustrating. It takes a special kind of person to work with people suffering from such a debilitating disease. Thank you to all of those who help day in and day out.
Pppfftt yea right. You know that's 100% the reason you left him. You left a mentally ill person who you promised to love thick and thin, rich or poor and in SICKNESS and health. Or was the wedding just something you used to dress up and have attention like all women desperately crave?
Tanya. My ex is schizophrenic too. Not a mean, violent bone in his body. Good, kind and caring dad to our kids, but not "full on" if you know what I mean a bit vacant most of time. But when you are living with someone as unstable as that there is a a time you have to leave for your own sanity and preservation of your kids. I do hate it when the MSM and their reporting,. Most ill peoplr are more a dsnger to themseves and not to others.
I agree, I noticed that as well. My ex was schizophrenic (he’s not dead, just dead to me lol) and while he was immensely abusive to me, I still have a lot of empathy and love for him because of how hard I watched him struggle and try to form connections when everyone around him (rightfully) only saw violence and risk. It was heartbreaking. I tried to stay around for as long as I could and encouraged him to heal but eventually it would’ve turned into a true crime case if I had stayed, tbh. But i still hope he has some friends, in whatever way he can. We all deserve some form of connection with other people.
they’re not different at all we’re all humans and have our own struggles and problems some of us just struggle more that’s how i think about it i mean we’re all different tbh
@@sarvolkskayahow do you handle someone who could be potentially dangerous or violent? Do you think people with schizophrenia are just lonely? I have a family member diagnosed with this disorder and they tend to also think negative of him, he’s dear to me, how would you approach them and help them?
@@sarvolkskaya🙋🏼♀️I’ve been there with multiple relationships. If you can even call them relationships. Sometimes I feel I was held hostage from my first one, age 15-19. You get so immersed in this rollercoaster you think it will never stop and that you should get use to being stuck on the ride and never seeing the earth below again.
No not so different..i raised my mother who was sick..it is a horrible illness. A beautiful mind was the best film on the subject. My mom passed at 95 i spent my life keeping her out of hospitals and worried most of my life the voices would come to me. I did not hace any chilsren for fear.
The family of Michael, who killed his mother, I just can’t imagine their pain. Losing a family member to murder is so difficult, but when the murderer is your own brother or son, that makes it so much more emotional and confusing.
I wish all of them the very best they can get in life. I hope that Michael gets to a point where he can truly believe that what happened was a tragic result of schizophrenia, not malice. I hope he finds peace and happiness in his life. I have so much respect and admiration for his family, they are truly wonderful people.
I knew a girl in my freshman year of high school who had this condition. The only person I ever met with it, from what I'm aware. She would wander off during class and have conversations by herself. But she was also so affectionate and loved to give people big hugs. Gosh this is making me so sad, wondering how she's doing and hoping she's okay, since it's been so long.
Only commenting because I was so surprised to read you’ve only met one person with this condition. I bet there are more though. I seem to be a magnet for some reason, been in multiple relationships with those afflicted. They have greatly effected my life. I also unknowingly had a schizophrenic roommate who brutally murdered his parents, but you would have no idea. He was as normal and vanilla as you can get. But I’ve seen too many times how their minds quickly turn on them.
@@Erin31499 oof wow that's crazy, i guess i just haven't been exposed to as many people, you never know who you meet out there, what their eyes have seen
@@Erin31499. Sounds like we both have the same magnetic qualities! I am autistic and have struggled with mental illness, but not schizophrenia. Since my grade school days, I have been close to people who do, though. I think the fact that I am also not normal, whatever that is, and was, relatively, guileless has allowed people to feel safe around me, who didn’t often let their guard down. People thought my best friend, in elementary school, could not speak. They were surprise to find her having lively conversations with me. Then, when they addressed her, she said nothing to them, but she had lots to say to me and I remember her very fondly. My parents thought I might never speak, as well, but when I started, it was complete, correct sentences that came out of my mouth, so they just didn’t worry about it, anymore. 😂. I’m glad many parents have more information about the signs of autism and mental health conditions, today!
I was born into and grew up in a family where my two oldest siblings were mentally ill for much of their lives. As a child I became fearful and ashamed of them. That has caused me much shame and sorrow throughout my adult life but I always avoided turning my mind to it. Thank you for such a sympathetic, beautiful and real insight into these people's lives. In humanizing mental illness you have done a great service to these men and women and also incidentally to me.
It's erie how similar that's sounds to my upbringing... My sister eventually committed suicide, and I carry a huge weight knowing I was unsupportive and misunderstanding when she needed me... I'll never forgive myself.
I understand. Same story in my family. Its really really draining dealing with a family member who has severe mental illness. That in itself brings huge feelings of guilt. I find my own life hard enough to manage without dealing with my sister. Though i realise how tough her life is. I wish you are your family the best. Its more common than people realise.
This makes me so happy! I work in mental health and the program I work in is actually for those who have experienced their first episode of psychosis. We are a team that helps people get back into some sort of normalcy for them. I love seeing good things happen for those with Schizophrenia!
Michael’s family are fabulous, and I am sure his mother was completely forgiving before she passed. My eyes were filled as his sister told her experience. A good good family, including Michael. A lovely looking chap too. So handsome and such a sad story. God give them all strength and comfort them and his mum x
As a nurse, this video is amazing. I wish there wasn’t an age restriction on this, it’s just full of the reality of mental illness. It shouldn’t be a taboo. Wonderful informative video!
i truly feel bad for Sal Beninato, you can tell he’s really lonely and wants someone to talk to and be his friend and i feel for him honestly and it’s kind of heartbreaking, i hope he’s doing ok💗
Really? He was the worst of the bunch a straight up creep and womanizer he doesn’t even take carol seriously and is taking advantage of all the mentally ill women there not only that but his story is the worst killed his mom over a cigarette… sorry but he has no redeeming qualities for me.
My wife is a forensics nurse at a state mental facility. She deals with the worst of the worst. Murderers, child rapists, stalkers, every terrible crime you can think of, these people are there. Our state doesn't force meds based on the laws here. This place in Canada seems like a resort compared to where my wife works.
Wow. This tore my heart to pieces. What a devastation Michael and his family went through. And are still going through it. That smile at the end had me blubbering like a child. I hope he is still doing as well as he appeared to be while skating.
Michael is lucky to have such a supportive family and a system. I have physical disabilities and my family and the system here act like I somehow created this disease to attack my central nervous system while the government would rather I be homeless, go hungry, and die than support someone with so many physical limitations. Amazes me how terrible people treat other people just because they aren't anything like them.
You’re a wonderful human being. I have aches and pains. I just started getting rheumatoid arthritis. I have to work and it’s hard. I see where you’re coming from. I hope things get better for you. You deserve so much more. You write so bright. I think you can do well in getting educated. Because you write intelligently. I am sorry for your frustration. I am frustrated too. My mom is elderly. I am not so old. I am not ready to retire. My parents didn’t allow me to go to college. There are programs for physically disabled people in helping them get jobs and training. You may have some skills in accounting. If you’re American, there’s hope. I am thinking about getting help as a physically disabled woman. I am middle aged. I may have to go get educated in order that I may be later unable to work a physical job. You’re right. Any disability is hard.
@@laurieberry4814 You are a really wonderful person yourself. Your comment here is heartwarming and right to the point. I wish you all the best! I hope you find a way so that your life gets better. You are strong willed, very positive and intelligent and I am sure you will make it. But you are right having some form of disability is hard: I am fighting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia so I know these things too. And as these illnesses are not seen as "real" illnesses where I live the state doesn't want to give me anything. But with the help of God we will find a way for us, right?
Amen! Thank you for your very REAL comment about not everyone is lucky to have a family that cares! I have unfortunately severe chronic pain that due to the opioid propaganda campaign remains untreated. I am treated like a drug seeking addict by my family who have no clue what chronic pain can do to you. So nothing but judgemental bullshit Why does society feel good when they can put people down? Today's world is full of evil people and family has become meaningless.
@@kimberlybettis8509 I agree with your comment. I wish I was closer to some of my cousins. They act like I don’t exist. Same with my immediate family. I have no friends and they try to manipulate me easily, like I’m a target. For some reason everything has to be a lesson.
I don’t like that the psychologist seemed to downplay the severity of the physical assault the third patient made on his mother. He didn’t just “shake her around by her hair”! ….”an adult doesn’t get a severe brain injury by being shaken.”?
Im a little appalled by the lack of concern for his victim at all ,and all the attention and sympathy placed on Michael. I understand he was not in his right mind, but he still brutally murdered his own mother. He should stay locked away permanently because theres a very good chance he may re offend.
It is absolutely possible to get a severe brain injury from having your head violently shaken. Shaken baby syndrome kills infants who are shaken. But it can also happen to an adult, especially a smaller woman, or an elderly woman, being shaken by a man. It's also possible there was additional violence in this situation.
What an empathic view on all of these human beings, the patients and the staff, as well. Michael‘s family is wonderful and I think his brother put it the right way: „There are two victims here.“
what an amazing family Michael has. I have spent time in a psych ward, although not criminal per se. I could not imagine the guilt he suffers being in his, now, right mind - and it's obvious he suffers so. for his family to stand by him and fight for/with him - it just says so much about their character, individually and collectively. I wish everyone who suffered from any sort of mental illness had such a support system. (they also speak so eloquently.)
A very sad documentary. Filmed over 18 months, and aired in 2014, so it would be nice to see a recent follow up on those involved. Felt so sad for Michael, the conflicts he feels must be so painful. His family are incredible to support him, even after what his illness made him do.
@@keithbentley6081 Why do you assume American? As far as I am aware, brekkie is Australian slang. Also, perhaps you should consider phrasing corrections like this in a more supportive (see what I did there?) way if your concern is actually about the English language? Or just realize that you could still clearly understand what they are try to say and spend your time on better things?
@Keith Bentley I am so very sorry that you feel the need to comment on my username, and/or reply content. I feel most distraught that you were so extremely aggrieved by my writings of late. You mention poor American language as the leading cause of your distaste, however I feel it necessary to point out that I am indeed not American. I was dragged up in good old Norven Blighty, speaking the Scottish twangs brung right from the Haggis that roam the mountain edges. The sheep baa'ing along providing me my nursery rhymes, and the Highland Coo's teaching me mah gramma. Alas the American novelist that you so proudly mention was a pipe dream after the local library were fludded by the excess sheeps widdle coming down the mountain in waves. In the end all I can remember from the harsh wilde is from the "Haggis who could". It's t'internet. I'm reasonably, but not fully, sure that even the Queen, Deity bless her soul, does not speak in Ye Olde English on t'tube. I shall strive to eat the Oxford Dictionary for my next masterful comment piece, and credit Keith Bentley. I simply leave you with: awa' an' bile yer heid in the nicest way possible, as per the most a Scotswoman can do.
@@keithbentley6081 That's what you took away from this video and comment section? A lot of people use atrocious grammar when commenting online or texting. Most of us are far from being a Steinbeck, and we wouldn't claim to be literary greats. Heck, I'm literally brain damaged.
I knew the Stewart Family Personally! I went to school with the twins John & Rebecca. Their Mom June worked at our local hospital in Renfrew. This story broke our town but it shows you how things happen. Nice to see how things have turned around for this Family.
The daddy looked so happy in the pictures with his wife. You can tell he misses her. It’s so sad that because of his illness, he killed his mother a nurse, who loved and adored him.
I feel so sorry for carol, she’s so clearly had a hard life, a life of everyone abandoning her and letting her down. She does seem like she truly wants to be well behaved and feels bad for things she has done
I feel sorry for her too. When she was talking about waking up early to work. Saying she has to dress her best and stuff. She seems to want to do good.
@@bonnieblueful I don’t think so but maybe at some point in her life, if he did he most likely wouldn’t have reported it. Unfortunately that type of thing does go on in places like this tho & has for years. Sickos pray on the vulnerable knowing they won’t be believed & the worst part is since the perpetrators are an authority figure they can then revoke privileges which makes the victim inclined not to say anything for fear of retaliation I was assaulted by a male guard in the late 90’s, he hit me in the head & spat on me when I got upset after he exposed himself to me. I remember feeling so helpless & him telling me nobody would come if they heard me scream. All the other guards turned on me after I told everyone what he done too & he never even got in trouble. Instead I had privileges revoked & was locked in a cell not allowed out for 4 days & didn’t get canteen for 2 weeks. Plus my carton of cigarettes (which the guards kept in a locked room so they could dole out a pack at a time) mysteriously went missing. So because I wasn’t allowed canteen I didn’t have cigarettes for 3 weeks because of it & that guard was still allowed to be near me & the other girls like nothing happened. He would give me the most menacing stares whenever he did his rounds & say the most horrible things. You think anyone ever dared to report him for anything after that?! I was only 19 at the time, practically a child… the system is broken 💔😒
My first thought upon watching Carol was childhood trauma. Again and again. It breaks my heart for her esp bc she has such a kind heart that is beyond damaged from abuse and neglect. She just wants to feel loved and be loved back. I hope she is happy ❤
BPD is caused by trauma oh yes. You don't get BPD without childhood neglect/abuse/trauma. I wish this documentary showed her in a more kind and graceful light 💚
I read a comment that is so similar to my in-law’s sad situation I just want to say the mother that kept reminding her schizophrenic son that she loves him and actually got away is beyond lucky. You’re more blessed to say the least. My wife and I received a call from her frantic aunt to come by her house asap. Not knowing why she called in such a manner, we made our way to her apartment that she shares with her adult son. She informed us that her only child locked all of the deadbolts on doors leading outside (knowing that all windows were welded and reinforced with metal burglar bars) and gather everything flammable he can in a Rubbermaid garbage can and lit everything ablaze while his mother lose massive amounts of blood from a gash (done by him for absolutely no reason)to the upper muscular part of the arm near the armpit joint and socket. We were very confused and perplexed as to how one could think of, let alone, do such a thing to one’s own mother. He spent a few months in Her Majesty’s Prison and was released in the care of his aunt (the mother’s youngest sister also the aunt of my wife). As time went on, the mom let her motherly instincts blinded her to the point whereas she had her only child, the one that inflicted so much pain and confusion to reside with her once more in another apartment. That, I feel, was, is and will always be the worst decisions she has ever made. One evening while her only beloved son made stovetop ramen, a schizophrenic episode unlike one he’s ever had before influenced him to pick a unwarranted argument with his mother and in her defense and response stated that she doesn’t have time or strength for arguments that evening and left him to finish his noodles. Went in her room and positioned herself on her knees and prayed. Her son, in a schizophrenic rage, barged into her bedroom with a hammer and blow after blow mangled and destroyed one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen. (My wife and I) believe he then moved to something with a blade and continue to disfigure, bludgeon and kill his mother in such a way the last time anyone saw her would indeed be the last time they’d see such a beautiful face because a closed casket will most definitely be needed. I remember the mortician stating that she had little to no tissue left on her face for even the littlest reconstruction. He, and a lot of policemen and other government personnel, has never in their entire careers encountered such evil to commit such an act towards one’s mother. He lifted and carried her body down three flights of stairs and loaded up into her own trunk and called a wrecker company for the vehicle. To this day, he doesn’t remember the episode and swears Christ of the cross he wholeheartedly had nothing to do with killing his mother. Hats off to anyone dealing with such a scary thing on a daily. Hats off to you and peace be with you.
Your comment is so sad and scary. I have a client whose son lives in her basement. He absolutely refuses to even step outside. He was jailed at one time for setting her house on fire, but she brought him back in because he had nowhere to go after release. He's clearly very mentally ill, but she feels trapped.
Omgosh, I'm sorry for your mom in law. How horrible. I read the other comment too and alot of ppl assured her to put her safety first. Sometimes you can't risk your life to save em. It's an illness and needs to be carefully watched and treated professionally. I'm sorry for all the family members and victims that have to deal w this illness too. It's so tragic. Be safe❤ Bless all
What you should take away from this is that mental illness is real, very serious and that those suffering from it need help. If you have friends or family like this, don't throw them away. Be there for them in a way that they can accept and understand.
@@lizc6393 it probably comes as no surprise to you that I have a severe, debilitating mental illness. It went undiagnosed for the majority of my life and I only got help after involuntary commital to an institution. My family and friends never lifted a finger even during times when I was clearly not ok. They did not want to admit to themselves that something was wrong and kept saying things like " it is just a phase... You'll get over it". Things went downhill over the years and even though there is no cure, and i cannot have anything resembling a normal life, i did get help and the therapy and medication at least enable me to live. The tragedy is that had there been intervention long ago, things would not have spiralled beyond saving. I would not want anyone to have to go through what I did. That is why I said what I did. If someone close to you behaves strangely, don't wait. Do something about it.
I have younger sis. A nurse by profession, and is now a mental institution administrator, she told us, her first few days were terrifying. Many times she handed her resignation letters but were denied. She had two guards.. big muscled black americans when she goes around . She herself is a big lady 5.7 tall weighing 185 kilos for an asian. Altho she worked there for 40 years . She s still doing voluntary works. She misses the mentally sick patients and staff. In this kind of work one needs super human strength spiritually and mentally
My brother was diagnosed as having Schizophrenia. He was put in the hospital several times. It became worse as he got older. Sad but the voices finally took over as he committed suicide. Thank you for posting this.
Michael and his family are so inspiring. Such tragic heartache yet his family can see the disease and Michael has put in the work to better himself that it has brought this family together. I wish them all well.
The patient Michael was so brave and smart in understanding his illness. I hope life keeps getting better for him. The other patients also appear to work hard at accepting life while they are at hospital.
@@painfreesunrise Exactly! But I would ask the believer, why all this is happening, we all, according to your faith, are images of the god. Why those people, who are images of god, are closed up?
@Jane Smith I have bipolar and have been told I’m the ‘ideal patient’ because of how self aware I am, but that is meant in terms of me recognising the signs of mania, depression is much harder to recognise unless I’m already way in it. My mania untreated completely robs me of who I am and I remember nothing afterwards, but I never resist help and I trust what my fiancé for example says, if he says he’s concerned about me and noticed symptoms in me and thinks I need to be seen by my psych or go in the ward etc, I listen to him and generally comply with treatment even if I’m less aware of what I’m doing. A lot of manic bipolar people apparently aren’t that easy to convince 😅
I worked in a center doing renovation work at the University of Saskatchewan in the 80s. I am still somewhat troubled by the events that I saw take place. The employee's are a special breed of people and I have nothing but the utmost respect for them
Not too impressed by the staff members who laugh off clear violations of what could be helpful to a person's mental health in a facility like that. Quite disgusting for a person in a profession such as this.
it’s a tale as old as time. if people are gonna 🦴 they’re gonna 🦴. what legal right would they have to force a couple away from eachother? i’m trying to see the logic.
Also the clear disdain for the "awful" female patients. If you're a male that murders his mother, you're good, a tragic, sympathetic figure, but if you're a female punching holes in the walls, you're a horrible problem and probably incurable. Having been on a mixed psychiatric ward like this myself, this is extremely typical. Even if you're a non-violent person who had a normal life but experienced an isolated psychotic incident they treat you like you're a potential criminal.
@dazeyday5699 I thought the same. The men are more violent than the ladies, yet the ladies are the worst patients. Doesn't make any sense. And if i was the lady hearing him say that i would have to disagree, not agree. The ladies seem lovely. Carol is always singing, lol
Just wanted to provide a further update, Michael has recently been given a conditional release and has made great strides in his recovery. His anxiety has improved and now goes out into the community more and more.
What a wonderfully necessary documentary. I'm so grateful I came across this, and thank each one of the people who have given us insight into their lives, struggles, and accomplishments.
My nephew (age 30)was diagnosed with Schizophrenia at age 20. At age 18 he went off to University, and in his first semester tried committing suicide. From then on there was just something so different about him. He wasn't the same person who we had seen growing up. He finally got a diagnosis, and for years was put on many different medications. He's non violent, and has been living on his own, and holds down a job as well as being an artist. He's an absolute sweet man, and seeing some of these people just makes my heart ache for them.
I got over med last year it was horrible I am not violent just that the murder of my dad really affected me..and we have never found his killers 💔 😔 but am fine now
@@texastea5686He just turned 40 and has never been off his meds. We just attended his art show in San Francisco CA, and every piece exhibited was purchased. He's that talented.
I understand when the brother said “you don’t blame the victim”, “you wouldn’t blame someone with cancer”. Cancer kills the patient, it doesn’t kill/damage others with death. It’s amazing what his family is able to do with forgiveness.
But Michael is not the victim. Hes still living and was not beaten to death. While we can have empathy for his condition, I cannot reconcile his actions. I dont think even he would say he deserves sympathy, he killed someone, his owm mother no less.
@@BunnaySango Then you’re not particularly bright. If you don’t think living with the guilt of killing your own mother as a teenage boy, when you did not have control of your own actions, victimizes you, then the only explanation is that you’re deeply, irreparably stupid 🤷🏽♀️
Poor Carol, it feels like she is deeply lost in herself and its almost impossible to imagine her coming back to herself, she has tried to create a castle of broken stones to protect her from what ever has gone on. I hope she continues to find moments of joy and connection and remain in a place where staff will see her with compassion and care. I hope karma served up what is deserved to those that messed her up in life.
My son, with schizophrenia, almost killed me once. He did beat me and was about to bash my head in (he had become psychotic at about 1 a.m. and I got up to console him) and I became very still and kept repeating quietly, "I'm your mother, I love you, please don't hurt me,bi love you" and though I was intensely afraid for myself, I was also afraid for him, for how he would feel after, afraid he would go to jail, afraid for his guilt, as we were very close and I knew he loved me, but he was in so much pain. As I kept reminding him of who I was, he hesitated a little, and loosened his grip, and I ran to safety. He was 43 then. It has only been 3 years ago. He had the onset at 19 and I still manage to care for him, but I am very careful to be aware. For both of our sakes.
You should put him a home for your safety.
Very frightening
Maybe have some type of alarms you can press in each room that rings 911 or police stations when he starts to get this way. I know this same mothers love to where you’re spending your whole life caring for one of your sick children and you didn’t get to follow your dreams in your older age. I’m sorry for that for you. It’s hard I know.
I dated a boy/man with schizophrenia when we were teens. I talked him out of a few episodes. I will never forget his mother telling me that she loves me, and she loves her son more than anything, and for both of our sake please go. The love she had for him, especially in that moment, was like nothing else I’d seen
I’m so sorry that your son is ill. It’s a hard thing to go through when someone is mentally ill.
Found an update on Michael. He's now in his own apartment very near the facility he was once in, Brockville. His family is still super supportive, which is great. He's under conditions, and has a nurse visit 1x a week. He's very good on taking his meds and likes to stay active. He visits Renfrew on occasion, but says it's very hard for him to do that. So glad to hear that he's still doing well and I'm hoping he stays that way! Praying for him and his family!
Thank you x
Tysm for sharing ❤
I know it showed he was in an apartment after but I think this one was different, and he was alone without a roommate. But I know he said in the interview he STILL thinks people are staring at him, knowing what he did. So sad. Everyone knows that it wasn't "him", and it was his illness. Ugh I don't know why I just feel for him.
Thanks ROC
So happy he got the help he needed. Not everyone is that fortunate since mentall illness is so huge in society .
I love how Michaels brother said the killer was Schizophrenia and there were 2 victims here his mother and Michael…. He said it perfectly, so heartbreaking 💔
Schizophrenia is the devil
Michael's brain was squirming like a toad... killer on the road.
Jim Morrison
The way this family spoke of their son and brother really touched my heart. I'm sure this is the way the mom would have wanted them to be. I wish him well in his future endeavors on the outside world and I hope he is able to maintain his medication. ❤
سلام حفظكم الله أنا مريض فصام أول مرة سمعت الأصوات كنت ناءما فجاءوا على شكل شرطة للقبض علي فرأدت الانتحار جلست خارج نافذة من البيت طابق رابع فاخرجني والدي وأخي وهاته الأصوات اسمعها إلى الآن إلى أن الفرق بعد ست سنين عرفت بنفسي اني مريض لأن فالأول كنت أطيع ما اسمع ومرة بنت الحي قذفت بكأس زجاج سمعتها تسبني وهي لم تفعل ذلك وأشياء كتيرة فعلا هذا المرض خطير فأنا لاأتعالج شيء الوحيد فالاصوات لاتفارقني طيلة الوقت والفرق أعي بالمرض ولاأهتم لها رغم سماعها بصوت مرتفع
@@FouadNaiim Blessings to you ❤️
My son was schizophrenic, he’s dead now but it still haunts me. I bypassed this several times before I was able to get the courage to watch it. I’m glad I did 😢
I'm sorry for your loss. I'm glad you were able to watch it. I hope you understand that your son was very ill and it wasn't your fault.
I'm so sorry for your loss. He's at peace now and you will meet him again. Energy never dies, only changes forms.. ❤
I have schizophrenia and I know how it affects my family, I’m so sorry for your loss, I know you were an amazing mother ❤
Maybe you have ptsd .I have a mental health condition my whole adult life .I was very distant from my Familly most of the time .I now realise how my situation seems from their point of view .I'm sorry that your son's illness affected you as well as him .
WHAT DID U MISS
The understanding that schizophrenia killed Michael’s mom was truly profound. The family is amazing. I have such respect for them as well as the doctors and nurses who work in the facility.
I Dout it
@@tsewkeelem2427 you mean ‘doubt it’ ?
What do you doubt?
@@tsewkeelem2427 Trolls will be trolls. We know you'll never change.
My heart goes out for poor Micheal and his family. He's so lucky to have them.
The best documentary on schizophrenia I have ever found! Done in such good taste and very factual. Thank you!
His Father is struggling. He can barely look his son in the eye. But still he tries to be there for him. My heart bleeds for all of them. What a sad, sad tragic event.
Of course. I wouldn't either. Illness or not. Taking someone's life, everyone knows its wrong...
It's hardest for the father. He lost his wife and, to a degree, a son and is solely left to look after 4 kids. Has the guilt of thinking he did something wrong as a parent (which is incorrect but I'm sure he still thinks it) and also, imagine the pain of having to tell your kids that day.
I totally agree. You can see the pain in his eyes still. What a great family though.
@@mayamaya6478 I hear voices and see things that aren't there I'm 40 been hospilized 10 times when at my worst I was walking around my town I didn't know who I was or where I was the voices are something I wouldn't wish on everyone
@@redred222 You are Brave to talk about this, are you currently getting any help?
Best wishes 🙏🏼 ❤️
@@redred222 I hope you’re doing better. Much love to you 💙
When I looked up Mark Earle, the gentle male nurse, on the internet, I was heartbroken to find out that he passed away in 2018. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life’s work greatly benefitted those who were ill…
Thank you for your comment! Mark was such a sweetheart, I’m so sorry he’s gone. He really was a stand in relative for each of his patients. ❤️🙏
@@MayimHastings I know Boo! :"( He really was such a sweetheart.... Hope we will aspire to leave a wonderful impact on the world before we go too! Hope you are doing well, Boo. thank you for your reply :)
Why ?
@@lifeonwheels5756 I am not too sure how he passed - I couldn't find the specifics on the internet.. sorry about that!! :(
@@chingeeang8018 He passed away while hiking.
Carol's simple cry "but I don't feel loved" went straight to my soul. I know that pain.
😔
Aw literally I felt the same way 🥺
I'm sorry that you do I know how you feel...❤
No one should ever feel that way. It’s sad
Carol is not alone
Michael’s siblings are absolutely incredible! They have shown so much grace and compassion. They have gone beyond what most people would have been capable of. The fact that they can separate him for what his illness made him do is a true gift to Michael.
Very well said.
Incredible indeed. I could never forgive.
It is awesome that his family supports him! Mental illness has to be a tough thing to deal with. I wonder how many people in society have some form of mental illness? Some may deal with differently and not show signs. This world will chew you up and spit you out in a hurry.
Omg when I heard what he had done. Holy crap I feel soo bad for everyone, the mom, the family and esp michael who must feel soo horrible for what he did due to his illness :( absolutely tragic
Ammie f
Very well said
My sister had schizophrenia, she passed in 2015. Prayers for all who suffer, including the patients and families.
My mom grew up with her mom and her brother both suffering from this illness all her life she said it was very scary knowing outburst like those can cost her life always aware of them and trying to distance herself in the home.But she her mom and her brother are all alive and well and it's been 45yrs 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
My father has schizophrenia he abused us all.
I have schizophrenia and have been in a psych ward a couple of times, and while I’ve never had the voices tell me to hurt others I can sympathise with everyone involved here, it’s overwhelming and scary to slip into psychosis, thank you for this documentary ❤
❤️
❣️❣️❣️
❤❤❤❤
I'm the same, I'm lucky I don't get command hallucinations and have never been vilont, as long as I take my meds and see my psychologist I'm good for the most part..
Thank you for trusting us with that! Best wishes to you, my friend.
The saddest part about growing up with a sister that has schizophrenia is seeing the child- like behavior that I see in these patients. When 1 family member has a mental illness, the entire family goes through the emotions 😔 . The simple fact that it could've been me instead is what humbles me
So true. We need to pressure our government to allow funding more research
The suffering of your sister far outweighs yours. Schizophrenia is not genetic. You can't catch it. So many families are in denial. Schizophrenia comes out of families because families are sick. The entire family. Your sister is just the sickest one. It is good to see that the attention is back on families. The brain disease theory is now being replaced with what happened to the person diagnosed with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is about responding to trauma. So, try to wake up. Finally, many MH professionals are focused on trauma now. I feel sorry for your sister because you are talking trash about her. That's what families do. They blame the sickest one. So happy that the disease theory has been debunked.
@lulazeta8965 you actually can't feel bad for my sister. It's impossible, you're feeling bad WITHIN yourself. feeling bad is your response to my statement o
With your perception based on your personal experiences in life. You may think u know so much, but really your perception is limited- your ego is trying to blow you bigger than what you are. Truly, you are just like everybody else, know very little.
So you know everything and are never wrong? .... yeah.... shut up@@claudiaargueta3767
@@samh.6272 yikes.
As someone suffering with pretty severe mental illness (such as severe depression psychosis), this was one of the most respectful, honest, informative videos I’ve ever seen. I deeply appreciate how none of the patients are edited or played up to be “villains,” but they were shown in a humane and honest way. Thank you so much for taking the time to create something so amazing.
I wish you healing, peace, and fulfillment Shani. I'm sorry you're suffering, but there's a lot of love out there in the universe. Hang tight, you're "playing life on hard mode" and you're still here! That's badass.
Oh shut up
@@ATLTraveler you’re trying too hard to be edgy clown. I’m embarrassed for you
I agree. This doc is hopefully to many others an eye opener, it stunned me.... and it is worldwide a health issue.
Sadly many countries don't have the knowledge nor facilities like seen in this documentary.
💯👍👍👍
Agreed, this was beautifully made and really moving.
The way Michael’s dad smiles when looking at his wife is everything so sorry he was robbed of spending the rest of his life with her
I'm not so sure there's many families out there that would even think about showing their son / brother or sister the support that Michael receives from his family or the forgiveness. Mental health issues or not most would just pray that he'd never see the light of day again. So yeah he should really be counting his blessings.
@@ms.chrisie8040 yes he has wonderful blessings in the form of forgiveness and a truly wonderful family. But his blessings stop there. Michael didn't kill his mother, his illness did. It isn't his fault. And now that he is no longer criminally insane, he will have to live with what he did for the rest of his life. It's truly awful for everyone. I can't imagine it
Speaking as a retired Deputy Sheriff who used to sit with and transport people who had been involuntarily committed to mental institutions, this video is extremely helpful in demonstrating to the public that mental illness can be successfully treated and that individuals suffering from it can live productive normal lives.
I have a feeling you would have been very respectful toward these vulnerable people!
I hope it taught you to be humane with those of us who have been in that situation. I've dealt with this more times than I care to admit and some of the officers were very callous, but many more were very humane. We're just sick, that's all.
And Michael is proof. Mike went from visibly hopeless to currently on his own and doing fantastic
@@peaceandhonesty3516 ,m look mo
@@HedlessChickn I always thought that, if it could happen to one person, it could happen to me, I treated others like I would like to be treated if I were in their situation. Also, in Virginia, law enforcement is trained in "Community Policing'.
“He still hasn’t forgiven himself.” That broke my heart. It’s sad that he is angry over something he could not control. I can’t imagine going through that. God bless him, his family, and all the beautiful patients who are struggling. They are very strong and precious people.
The meds destroy your liver, unfortunatly
He seemed like he didn’t care. He’s smiling at the end.
@@lilalicata616 what is wrong with you
I suffer with borderline personality disorder and I have destroyed my life over and over and over and over again and I’ve heard it called the “incurable” disorder. I don’t know when it started I just became derailed very quickly. Watching Justine I thought of myself instantly. I’ve matured a lot with age, but I was her. When she said she enjoyed the feeling right before you die, I know that feeling. I chipped 2 teeth from choking myself out to feel that feeling. And I’ve never heard anyone else say that, and I just hurt inside hearing her say it, out loud, so clearly, I knew what she meant. And the scary part is I knew she meant it. When I saw Justine on the documentary I didn’t have a liking for her. I instantly thought “she wants attention” and I hate when girls act like that.. going through therapy, I’ve learn that’s because they remind me of myself. I don’t even know why I’m writing this. I am so shook after watching this whole doc. I’ve been in and out of wards, never criminal, and this just is so real. The chaos, the anxiety, the emotion, the anger, the sexual tension, all of it.
I hate that word, incurable… I’m not fixed, no, but I am better. I have a normal life today. And I don’t go to the hospital 4-6 times a year anymore, I can be a mother to my children, on my own. In my own place. I don’t put hands on people anymore. I am a person finally. So if you are watching this and you have BPD and you hear that word, incurable, please don’t give up. It can get so much better for you.
I think that you can be really proud of your self. You‘ve come so far❤️
God bless you I'm so happy for you!
Thanks for the comment. It was beautifully written in all set. Sending you all wishes
I hope you are right because I don't know how much longer I can cope
@@juliemitchell8983 hang in there and get help, I seen you posted this just hours before I saw it and I just got done watching this documentary and I feel terrible you feel the way you do. If they can all get through this you can too. Please get help.
When Carol was crying and struggling and said she doesn’t feel loved, my heart broke for her and I wanted to reach out and hug her.
Beautiful comment hello Lauren how are you doing 👋👋👋👋
The nurse needs to put himself on her level. He is towering over her and that could make her afraid.
The sad part is that she was correct about Charles and Debbie. They talked extremely nastily behind her back. As for Sal, he was unfaithful to her (It’s clear that he possesses enough psychological capacity to know that he cheated on her.).
@@NicoleCzarnecki how do you know that they talked behind her back?? Cheating is never OK but to be honest I don't get why Sal ever even went for Carol instead of some of the other women there.
@@wioi this is so rude. They obviously talked poorly about her in this whole episode and sal seems like he was preying apon carol.
My brother has a paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis, he witnessed two of his closest friends get killed. And that traumatic event triggered off his mental illness. He is now aged 42. Got diagnosed at age 24. It so hard to see a loved one deteriorating. I pray for anyone who is going through mental illness.
So sorry i wish you peace and healing for your fam and your brother
My heart absolutely breaks for Michael. You can see in his eyes he's an earnest man. A kind man. You can also see how hurt he is by what happened. I hope he continues to lean on his amazing family for support. He deserves so much love.
Have him come stay with you since youre so heartbroken, you should be heartbroken for his mother and the family that doesnt have her around anymore.
@@JoryBarrett one can have empathy for all sides of a sad situation...
@@JoryBarrett Where in this story you don’t get the fact that he is mentally ill.This is called insanity under diminished responsibility.He was mentally ill when he committed this crime do you understand that.
I just want to give Michael a big hug and tell him it's okay. He has so much pain in his eyes and he's clearly so articulate but struggling to grasp onto his train of thought properly, it's heart-breaking to see.
Agree - I think Michael Is goinng to make it in life. he has lived through a nightmare situation that will never leave him. If he keeps o his meds he will go on to have a family of his own im sure . I wish him all the luck in the world. & his family are amazing also
💯
come on! he killed his mother - no matter what the reason it's not ok. its never going to ne ok and he knows it. only one way this can end. he will kill himself too.
Yes,me too
Bless his heart
A nice looking young man too
@@robyndaniels1381 No amount of hugs or saying "it's okay" will make what Michael feels better. I do so agree with you Robyn. However, it is probably a natural human reaction to want to take Michael's pain away from him - I know that is my reaction too watching Michael's distress. The psychiatrist had the best advice which is to "run with it" until they see where Michael is going with it. Most of us have done something "wrong" at some point in our lives (usually, but of course not always, when we are young), that we can never forget and we have to live with the consequences because yes, even another person's sympathy doesn't make you feel better. They say that the Buddha was the first psychiatrist and that the most important consideration was (is) the intention behind what you did wrong. Michael was seriously mentally ill when he did what he did so I don't know how he had an "intention" if you see what I mean (I am not a doctor). The Michael that we are watching here would say that his intention was not to kill - we can see all that clearly, but to get to some sort of real healing is a very long road, we all know this, which is why this is heartbreaking. Buddhism started to save my life when things seemed impossible and I used to say to my friends, call me "Milly" because it seemed my progress could only be measured in millimetres (LOL but so true) and I think that we can only apply this type of approach in understanding to Michael's distress.
Michaels family understanding he's a victim aswell made me just cry. I'm so thankful his family is so kind to him though all of this. You can see Michael is clearly upset by this and understands it wasn't right. I'm sure he's filled with guilt. What a great documentary
I totally agree, his story is absolutely Heartbreaking & Amazing at the same time❤️🩹🙏🙏
Agreed!
He seems to be intelligent and well spoken. Who knows what medically the future may hold for him? Is he just saying what he believes everyone wants to hear or is making an honest attempt to be open about what's happening and learn how to deal with his issues? Out of everyone they showed, he seems to be one of the more likely to actually work through the program and use the tools he's acquiring to have a chance of a healthy and safe future out of the facility.
The most touching for me was when he talked about how forgiveness and trust take time to earn, it's a slow process. And when he talked about him not being able to grieve.
He's intelligent and he seems to have a good heart. Oh, and that smile! ☺
I hope he's receiving ongoing help (therapy) and he's doing well.
If he was my brother AND KILLED MY MAMA, BOYY, I WOULD WIPE THAT BOYS FEET AND NOSE OFF. 🤫
Michael's mum would be proud of all he has achieved. You can really see the pain in his eyes. I wish them all well with good health, physical and mental. Some of those mental health workers are worth their weight in gold!
I live in the town this was filmed in and know Micheal. He is doing much better these days. His mother indeed would be proud. His family sticking by him through it all is a blessing.
This was the most moving part for me. Wishing Michael all the best in his future 🙏🏼
@@cris_balm7460 he is doing much better. His family is slowly getting back to normal. I think his mom would be proud of Micheal.
Yea he’s actually got a soul you can see it some people you can tell have no remorse or sympathy. Sad story for the whole family
As of December 2020, Justine was convicted of arson once again, this time with expressed intent of being sent back to a mental health facility. 🥺 As someone who lives and struggles with mental health issues, I don't know how to feel about absolute discharge. It's extremely disorienting when you're suddenly alone again.
Absolute discharge does not seem right. It is clear that many of the inmates were mentally disabled (without normal adult IQs) as well as mentally ill. I do not feel that many of them would be able to care for themselves, as individual adults, in the outside world. Many of them, I believe, need help and support.
@@Saffron-sugar You're completely right. Govts with budgets that are ballooning for all things have abdicated the care of mental illness. It was shocking decades ago when they tossed most of them out on the street, but worse yet, now they have withdrawn all care entirely in nearly every case, at least in Alberta and Manitoba. Plus they haven't done what need to do get new people, workers that is, into the feild, or to retain the ones they have who naturally burn out realky fast. The result is that there is no mental health care to speak of in Canada, except for the very worst of emergencies. You cannot see a psychiatrist, no matter what the reason or how bad the need. It's pitiful and shocking.
To see what those 2 provincial govts have done is SO shocking, and I hear Saskatchewan is bad too. Why on earth do people tolerate the right wing Conservatives? They have decimated the entire health care system. There are some cases where the staff have succeeded in supplying quality care despite the fragmented system they work in, but there many cases where people recieved appallingly bad care due to lack of resources. The Conservatives are determined to destroy health care by starving it in every way, so that then they can say "See. It doesn't work." The plan is to tear it all down, and sell what's left off to themselves, for profit and huge kickbacks. Then their kids will profit even more, as the owners and people running the new for-profit system. It will only serve the richest, but who cares about that, then you are already one of the rich?!
Sorry.
Mental health care and psychology have learned a lot in the last 50 years, and meds have improved so much. It's too bad that the professionals are not being given the chance to help very many people, and society in general is becoming sicker at a fast rate.
@@Saffron-sugar And so without a normal I.Q. or even normal mental function they would not have the sophisticated socialization and calculation necessary to carry out devious crimes and bad intentions.
Michael has a lovely family ❤
There needs to be a form of semi-independant living for those who will never be able to function without some support.
I used to work on a psych ward as a mental Health tech. At times it could be very scary but then you realize that what the patient is going through is even scarier. I think about them very often and pray that they find peace.
And what about their victims? Why don't you pray for them?
No one cares
@@brocktoon8 It's not mutually exclusive where you can only care for one or the other. And besides, it's more likely OGbobby worked on a non-forensic psych ward anyway, so there wouldn't be any major victims.
@@leahgreene5880 You hit the nail on the head. This was a ward where people were suicidal and were and danger to themselves or others. We never took people in that had murdered anyone but there was always the possibility of danger.
Thank you for your comments. You have a kind heart. I pray too they find peace. I have a grandson who is a schizophrenic. Saddest thing ever.
I really appreciate how respectful and supportive this comment section is.
What a tragedy mental illness can be, this family (Michaels') have stood by him and supported him and watching the family discussing their mother and looking at old photos is heart wrenching. Sometimes you just don't realise how fortunate you are.
yeah that was reallty difficut to watch the final interview with michael what an amazing family he has
Thing is though, some people in fact many have similar issues but with a family who is unsupportive.
Then you also have states that force you to give up your rights to children, especially teens who have mental illness just to get them the residential treatment they deserve. That’s all presented by the government as “what’s in the best interest of the child” when only the 24/7 care is what’s best for the child but not to be alienated from their parents. However, when your life has been turned upside down and your safety and your child’s safety is on the line, what choice do you really have? I know because our almost 17 yo daughter has been in a psychiatric hospital for 18 months. She recently got her much needed placement in one of the nicer residential facilities nearby for juveniles until the age of 21. I desperately just want to still visit her at the very least and will find out today if that’s an offer or if I’ll have to keep battling in the courts. What some of us parents and our mentally ill children go through is unbelievable. You can’t even make this stuff up.
There are articles on Michael.
He left a psychiatric physicality, took a cab to his home, and went in the back door and waited for her to come home. She died of blunt force trauma. He believed his mom was "sucking energy" from him. He had started showing signs of mental illness long before the incident. He wouldn't accept his diagnosis and wasn't taking his meds etc..
The family had noticed bizarre activity from him around end of high school.
This is heartbreaking 💔...
@@stefaniecurry5804 Taking away rights to children by adolescent mentally challenged individuals is not a bad idea. I'm not a stranger to mental health issues.
I Love my sister Jolantina Pilarski
R . I . P She suffered from this disease but lost her Life to Cancer.
Grateful for watching this documentary.
When I see Carol I see my sister.
What a great documentary.
My brother suffered from schizophrenia and mental illness.
He literally would tell us about voices telling him to do stuff and how everyone is talking about him that he’s a failure and will amount to nothing.
Watching this made me resonate with him.
He finally took his life on his birthday. He had just turned 32.
Mental illness is very complex and difficult disease that no one asked to get.
I wish Michael and the other lady who was discharged to the community all the best.
Your comment was so kind. I also lost a sibling to mental illness. I am able now to remember the best of her. I hope it is the same for you and I’m sorry for your loss.
@@bobsgirl100 Sorry for your loss Theresa.
Yes, I hold on to the great memories and I’m glad they are not tormented no more. My brother’s loss made me very empathetic towards people struggling with mental health .
Sorry for your loss too.
I am sorry for your loss. My dad did the same last September. I will always remember him at his best.
Heartbreaking. So many people don’t understand mental illness. They think it’s a cop out, an excuse . He would’ve never done that to anyone. I hate it for the entire family, esp mom😢
@@suzannacharisma I’m so so sorry for your loss. Suicide is the worst kind of death a loved one has to deal with. May he Rest Well.
Stellar documentary. It absolutely ripped my heart out near the end when Michael said “I grieve alone!” Thank you for making this film and shedding a little bit of light on the “disease” of Schizophrenia. To all who suffer with any form mental illness you do not grieve alone!
oh yes we do
Michael seems so incredibly sweet and emotionally aware. I truly couldnt imagine having this awful disease steal my life. His brother was exactly right, there were two victims in this tragedy. It warmed my heart to see his smile at the end. There is always hope ❤
My partner is schizophrenic. He is one of the kindest people you could hope to meet when he takes his meds and stays sober. He is in jail atm due to a mental health crisis. The hardest part is he didn't even know the amount of damage caused. We had to explain & go over it multiple times. Hes still trying to register what happened. We need more mental health resources. For people with the condition as well as their families
I worked in a forensic ward during the pandemic. Very rarely was there a need to restrain or force medicate. I have NEVER done as much craft, played scrabble or chess in my life. It's important to learn de-escalation techniques and always, ALWAYS remember your three core conditions (empathy, authenticity, unconditional positive regard). Good medication without leaving a patient too tired/drowsy or agitated is also important. Shout out to all health workers out there!
People like Dr Stephen Seager (Behind the Gates of Gomorrah etc) would disagree very, very strongly with you. A Forensic Psych ward, you said, are you sure though? And what was your job there?
Let's all be careful about our limited experience and information, as not to mislead complete innocents.
This documentary obviously wouldn't show the bare bones of what truly happens. It's like watching prison shows and believing they depict real life behind bars. What people should remember is that the criminally insane are both criminal and insane. Yes they are ill. But beyond what's considered merely ill. Is there a very high rate of recividism, yes.
No one cares
Thank you for what you do, as someone whos been involuntarily committed many times (not criminal, just a 5150) there's so many mh works that have made a major difference in my life, both long term residential and the ward.
@@ATLTraveler about you.
Maybe the police should take victims more seriously when they report a crime being committed against them..
Justice for targeted individuals!
Myron May, seemi Williams. And others who claimed to be electronically harrased stalked and assaulted. People's literal minds literal brains.
Mkultra v2k and now A.I.
People who misuse technology to mind hack others should face some of the harshest penalties under the law..
Targeted individuals are denied the proper medical and legal investigation.
These are heinous attacks on people's literal minds.. medical negligence and police professional negligence.
They don't investigate internet hacking crimes? What I've been told. Justice for targeted individuals.. stop electronic harassment stalking tracking and abuse. It's unconstitutional. No one is above the law.
It's nice to finally watch a documentary about mental health that isn't just full of all of the most sensational moments the crew managed to film.
My mother was paranoid schizophrenic for over 10 years, it was brought on through drugs. She would lie to psychiatrists and therapists about hearing voice because she didn’t want to be taken to facilities. She was really good at hiding it when she wanted to. She never took medication for it because she truly thought she wasn’t mentally ill because the voices and delusions were so real. About a year ago she got into a physical altercation with her husband and got sent to jail. My mother was always kind and was never a physical person, but her delusions were so real and when in fear for her life she could turn violent. She was in jail for over 6 months and during her time in there my grandmother (her mom) pleaded with her public defender to get her sent to a place like this documentary was taken in. He tried his best but when they did a psychiatric evaluation by 2 psychiatrists she lied to them and completely denied she was mentally ill. Sadly as soon as she got out of jail she started taking drugs again (Xanax and pain pills). A few weeks after she got out her body was found face down by a park. She had accidentally overdosed, i believe she tried to take the dosage she used to be on and since her tolerance went down while she was in jail her body couldn’t handle it. I have many regrets about me and my mothers relationship. I talked to her for the first week after she got out, but when i realized she was back onto the wrong path and was asking me to help her get pain pills i started ignoring her calls… i had many missed calls from her for the week leading up to her death. Thinking of how she probably felt that i didn’t care about her or love her really hurts. Hug your loved ones.. and America really needs to do a better job for their mentally ill citizens.
💜
I am sorry you had to live through all this pain! What a tragedy!
I do understand that you are beating yourself up because of ignoring your mother's calls. But you only tried to protect yourself - and rightfully so!
You just did what is always recommended when dealing with an addict. This world is a dark place and sometimes we simply have to NOT fulfill others destructive needs to survive physically or mentally.
It is our duty to ourselves.
Please ask the Holy Spirit to help you to forgive yourself, he will gladly show you how because God loves you and doesn't want you to suffer. And God (and also your mother ) know that you still loved her and didnt mean anything bad but only wanted to protect yourself. May God bless you!
Clearly you didn’t care because you ignored her. Now you care because she’s dead… typical
I am the daughter of a drunkard and a workoholic. I am a single mom as I lost my kid's dad to alcohol abuse. My dearest, I have only one thing to say: each human does the max in life so please, do not feel guilty because each adult makes personal choices. Just live your best life! We all did, do and will do the best we can on this planet! Stay safe, make your life a happy one vecause you matter!
I'm so sorry for what happened to you're mom and never blame yourself it's not you're fault and God will give you peace just ask. May God give you the strength that you need and they need to have more Awareness about mental health.
My Uncle suffered from Schizo, from 19 years of age till he passed away at 56. When he was not ill, he was the LIGHT of the room, his heart was bigger than anybody else I had ever met, his kindness knew no bounds, he was funny, sweet, kind, generous, the pinnacle of human decency. When he was ill, he was scarey, he had this dead face, this sick look to in his eyes, this dread to him to not trust him. I am happy For Michael Stewart, I hope he lives a long happy life, he deserves to live a life, his mother would want him to be happy.
in rare cases people with schizophrenia enjoy themselves and are relatively kind to others
This is the type of documentary on mental illness that should be filmed and presented to the public. Not depictions of 'crazy' people who are a lost cause. If anyone disagrees with the outcome of these peoples lives, after they have been treated and helped to the point where they are able to go back into the public and have a life, then you must believe in locking people up and throwing the key. What happened to rehabilitation? or is it out of sight out of mind for some of you,
I was under the impression that prison was partially rehab. It once was but no longer is. Like you said, out of sight, out of mind.
I'm not sure but I do agree with his dad. He needs to have constant access to support as many patients do stop taking their meds after a while. It's also true to say that not all patients do that but then not all patients brutally murder their mothers so 🤷♀
Sadly, I can't see how most of those patients shown will survive living in the community.
@@zoe9632
In Australia, we have something called the National Disability scheme. People are allowed out of the prison like, mental health facilities, and they stay in a group home, where there are usually two people, who have 24 hour care 7days a week.
They wear an ankle bracelet, which has an inbuilt tracking system.
It's all government funded, and it seems to be working well...
For me out of sight out of mind is just fine. We don't need crazy people out here interacting with society when they could just snap at any moment. I couldn't care less about your "hurr durr muh feelinks' arguments.
Brilliant documentary. My heart goes out to everyone living with mental illness, living that torment every day is a tough road to travel.
Mine does too.
I met one of the patients featured here when she was around 19 years old. It was strange for me to see her here but I'm not surprised. She had a tragic life and experienced a lot of abuse. I just wish her well and I hope she's safe 🙏
In the UK where I live male and female psychiatric patients are kept on separate wards to prevent the two sexes from interacting with each other. It keeps them safe. It prevents sexual activity and assault.
Males and females do have contact in psych wards in the uk. Although i havent been in one in 6 years, may have changed since then but ive been in 7 and only 1 high security one i was in didnt let males and females anywhere near each other.
Yeah They have got separate sleeping room area's now but the day room and all those areas are mixed.. It is for the best I spoke to some of the old boys about sexual abuse happening between some of the male patients and female one.. Now it's only the male staff that abuse the women in guess..
The last time I was in there (Hellesdon Hospital in Norwich) the staff where very "hands on" and I can still hear the screams of some of the young attractive girls all night long from being restrained much more then they need to be and a lot of the male staff abusing their power and sexual touching them so it made no real significant change to safety at all sadly
So nah unfortunately it does not help with the sexual assault.. if I was a person needing to get a close female sectioned I would think long and hard about it as they will almost certainly be sexually touched if they act out in any way that may need restraint..
They take advantage.. I've seen 4 to 8 males on one 18 year old female weighing no more then 8 stone and her head is wedged in between one of their thighs while she screams get off me you Paedophile and other male nurses holding her near and on the butt area and she held there a long time then taken into their room and strapped up its awful it really is
In the uk any man “identifying “ as a woman is placed with women in only women spaces , like women’s prisons ( Google Karen white ) , shelters for battered women and female wards at the hospitals , so the uk is not exactly a good example of women’s safety .
Yeah but what do you do w/ all the trans stuff now? No one knows who anyone is anymore w/ all that so how to handle that when you need to separate male and female patients?
Michaels family are amazing they have managed to see past the horrible crime he committed because they knew how Ill he was! That takes a lot of strength
In a way, I’d say the grace that Michael’s family gives him is partly testament to his mother’s awesome job at parenting her children. Ironic that she’s the one he would murder. So tragic for all of them. Poor Michael. He’s so fearful of leaving the place that has kept him stable for so long.
Absolutely agree. I honestly don’t think that I could be that strong…
My mom was a nurse on a psych ward for the criminally insane for over 15 years and I only got to visit her on the ward at work 3 times when they had “bring your daughter to work day” (and I wasn’t allowed in certain areas with more problematic patients). This is the closest thing to seeing my mom’s actual work life that I’ve watched.
In holland these instututions are called TBS clinics, Tghese are also for the criminally insane
I would of had so many questions for your mom if she was mine.... TELL ME EVERYTHING
Mad respect for your mom! My Ex Husband's Aunt(my inlaw) was a Psych charge nurse for over 30 yrs and I have never met a tougher cookie than her. That is one stressful job and not just any nurse is cut out for it! XX
BTW, did it ever make you want to join a similar career path?
My mom also worked in a state run mental institution for 20 years and when it closed they transferred her to the forensic center...the worst of the worst were there. She brought me on the ward of the mental institution a couple of times. When I was a pre-teen she would say this is what would happen if you did drugs... best drug deterrent ever. 😉
My heart goes out for these people. The incident that happened with his mom is really eating him inside and it’s just sad and depressed at the same time.
Yep. One life to live and your brain turns on you.
I feel horrible for the poor mother only
Can you just imagine coming out of a manic/psychotic haze and realizing you violently ended the life of the woman who gave you(him!) life? It is a prison in his mind and idk if that poor guy will ever come to terms with it and move forward. It's so sad because you can TELL! He loved his mom very much and tortures himself over what happened. Beyond sad. Major props to his family for loving him through this. For recognizing his mind is sick just like a diabetic would die if they didn't take their medicine and monitor their glucose. We all have an inner child inside our ego. His is hurting so badly! 😢
@@chasnfireflies317 Well said! It’s heartbreaking 💔
@@chasnfireflies317 Same here. His case makes me cry! He is such a handsome, sweet guy. You would never guess if you met him on the street what happened in his life. He has a beautiful smile at the end when he's ice skating. I just hope he uses it more. I feel so bad for him and his family. Not many siblings would stand by their brother and encourage him after something like that happened. I feel bad for all of them!
My heart breaks for Michael...im glad he was blessed with a supportive family!
No point in punishing him he punishes himself plenty.
I can't even imagine the suffering Michael's dad must have gone through. To have your own child kill the love of your life, because of his illness. I can only imagine the range of emotions he still must go through 😓 I'm glad that psychiatry has made a massive progress from the medieval tortures patients were going though, but it's still got a long way to go. What's sad is that many people still dismiss it/don't understand it
it may appear that great strides have been made, but outcomes are still dismal.
There is a dad in Texas who recently got his son off of death row. He was on death row for paying his friends to kill his dad, mom and brother for financial reasons and his dad was the sole survivor. He was successful because he pleaded with the governor not to kill the only family he has left. His son pleaded guilty and admits he did this. He visits his son as often as he can. Now I only have one child so I can't put myself in his shoes and his son was not mentally ill. Not like Michael is. I mean I can't imagine the pain he went through and he should teach classes on forgiveness. I've often wondered if that makes his son feel worse that he isn't angry or if he is thankful. It seems like Michael's family's forgiveness made him feel worse sometimes.I mean this happened in Texas and it's very rare for the governor to intervene at the last minute and I mean last minute. I believe it was 30 minutes before they were going to start.
I felt most for him throughout this whole thing 😩😭
It helps that he had other family members to suffer with. That sounds bad, but it's reality. She was Great person & in turn raised great children with great morals.
@@D0ntTickleMe you could feel the empathy and intelligence of that family through the screen.
I worked in a facility like this for 4 years. It took years off my life I swear and drained my soul. The injuries I sustained and things I saw I could write a book. It absolutely breaks my heart that people are so well but can't reach recovery and have to stay in these institutions.
If you're okay with it, could you talk about some of your experiences?
@@v0rtecks I was attacked on numerous occasions. I have pictures of all the bruises, cuts and bite marks. I sustained broken ribs and even torn muscles. Clients would become escalated and just wanted to fight or hurt themselves. Destroy things by breaking them; for example smash a tv or break furniture.
Many times just people going in to crisis moments or psychotic breaks. I learned a lot of hands on de-escalation from it. Had a client cut himself with broken glass and throw his blood at us and smear it on himself in an attempt to prevent us from restraining him.
I witnessed someone headbutt a door so hard it literally came off the hinges. Clients would do a lot of self harm known as SIB(self injury behavior). They would use anything and everything to stab or cut themselves. If you intervened you would most like also get hurt.
One client gouged out their own eyes and bit off their own tongue. It happened so unbelievably fast. The strength of some of the clients was unreal. Witnessed someone smaller then myself lift a sofa like it was a back pack and throw it across the room.
I have unfortunately a lot more stories but some are very traumatic. It isn't for the faint of heart and it takes a strong understanding that they really need help. A lot of their behaviors stem from mental illness. It isn't an excuse but it does make you empathic.
I honestly don't think I could ever do it again. My body still hurts from all the old wounds and scar tissue. Mentally I still have ptsd from an attack. Sudden loud noises or someone coming up from behind and tapping me on the shoulder sends me in to fight mode.
It is a life long struggle. I tell anyone wanting to do it that it isn't easy and never will be. Just be prepared for a lot of traumatic experiences.
@@v0rtecks For real
@@v0rtecks they can't talk about it. It's not allowed. Search it
Maybe write a book. I and others are curious about how people are and live and what went trough them to get there. I have a dutch book. Een gang door de psychiatrie. So mindblowing how brains work.
It’s astounding how clearly written on the faces, body language and in the little neurological tics of Michaels family how difficult handling all of it in an ongoing fashion truly is
Uuuuuuuu
Uuuuuuuu
Oh please, not that body language pseudoscience again. This fad needs to go.
@@OutragedPufferfish In a simpler term..it's not that hard to see how uncomfortable it made them..expressing how they felt. Clearly torn, they loved their mother, and hate the disease michael has, but don't hate him. Empathy runs strong in that family, something the world should have more of, towards every living being !!!
Right, you can see on the daughters/sisters face the anger that's still there. And I don't blame her. The mind is a brilliant yet also scary thing, how quick it can turn.
This just an incredibly well put together documentary. So very insightful as we get a glimpse into each situation. Michael’s story in particular touched my heart. His family showed an extraordinary understanding and compassion that is rare to see.
The people that work there are super human. When Carole was crying because she had sucidal thoughts and the guy nurse was trying to calm her down, I think my heart exploded 🥹
Same, I’ve been to a hospital which is under the same organization as this hospital and was spoken to the exact same while having a breakdown one time, made me cry, but also felt very comforted to know it must be something they teach all nurses in the royal mental health hospital
Jesus …let them have a garden and go outside in nature and put them to work …have them have a sense of purpose , get them to plant a garden, a tree , a flower …dont just let them be useless like this …make them see life and nature
I WAS KEPT IN ISOLATION AND RESTRAINTS MOST OF MY LIFE, WICH I ALWAYS ENJOYED.
I WAS SENT TO NY HUDSON PRISON FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE FOR TRYING TO CUT ANOTHER GUYS HEAD OFF WHEN I WAS 16 THE JUDGE STATED THAT HE HOPED I WOULD NEVER BE ALLOWED TO WALK THE STREETS AGAIN IN HIS LIFETIME, I WAS BACK OUT IN SOCIETY 4 YEARS LATER.. I HAVE NO CRIMINAL RECORD BECAUSE I WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF MENTAL ILLNESS. I'VE NEVER WANTED TO GET BETTER. I LOVE HURTING PEOPLE AND HAVE SINCE I WAS 6, IM 50 NOW AND HAVE ENJOYED MY LIFE IMMENSLY. IM TOO OLD NOW IV HURT ALL THE PEOPLE IM GOING TO NOW, SO IM RETIRED. UNLESS I RUN OUT OF FOOD THEN PEOPLE BECOME MY 1ST CHOICE FOR A MEAL. PEOPLE ARE JUST CATTLE TO ME
What a wonderful thought. I wonder why they dont do that.
I wonder if they did genetics tests on them they can heal them with vitamins and proper meds. I hate the way they treat them. They don't want them healed
@@carolynbohannon4602 probably because they are there for their violent behavior not just because they are skitzophrenic . The nurse said they had murder there . Imagine what a violent person can do with a shevel ? Yes they could pick up the fruits and vegetable from a garden but I would never let them in the yard with sharp tools .
Are you going to pay for all the carers that are needed to prevent them from using the tools as weapons or torturing the animals etc
My heart goes out to all those who face every day with mental challenges that they don't always understand. I have a daughter with Bipolar and it's easy to forget that her disorder is there and that she needs extra help. This documentary reminded me that I need to be more sensitive towards her.
It really is tough. I have OCD, Insomnia, GAD, Autism, auditory processing disorder, social anxiety, CPTSD, and Major Depressive Disorder as well as addictions I'm in recovery for. I also have many physical disabilities as well. It's really hard most days but I push on. My heart always goes out to those who are suffering. God bless to u and ur daughter. I hope she feels better eventually with the right meds or therapy or both. I have friends who have bipolar disorder and they are very misunderstood by many. They aren't bad people. They have an illness in the brain that they can't control. Bipolar or other mental illnesses is just like any other chronic illnesses out there. 🤗🤗
Very good said thank you.
I love the self reflection&vulnerability. You obviously love her so much, I'm sure yore doing great. As parents were so hard on ourselves, it says everything that this was your takeaway ❤️
What a heartfelt statement you made, and so very true. God bless you and your daughter.
I never got any sympathy or compassion for my mental illness..
Watching Michael, you can see why his family have stood by him, you can clearly see what a kind, incredible person he is...... You can't help but to just love him.... I can not think of anyone better to show the world that someone's mental illness is not at all who they truly are... I hope he is doing well, because I just adored him ❤
Same. I really feel for him and his family. His family supporting him after all that’s happened not only shows what an incredible family he has, what an incredible job his parents did to raise these loving children, and who Michael is as a person for them to continue to support him so ardently. I truly hope he reaches a point when managing his schizophrenia with minimal support required, and that he’s able to build a life that he can feel content with and proud of.
@@Liliarthansomeone said he died in 2018😢
Why dont any of you people "feel" anything for his victim and potential next victims? Disgusting! Apparently they didnt do that great of a job he killed one of his parents hello!! Is anyone in there? You all love to "feel" but cant "think" @@Liliarthan
@@centric145he's in God's hands now
@@centric145I hope & pray not.
I am a medically controlled psychotic. I have been since I was 13. My heart breaks for Michael, and his family, for all of the people in that place. If someone has an epileptic fit out of nowhere, and crashes the car they were driving, killing one of those in that car, you don't blame them. You feel bad for them, and sad that there was a loss of life.
Serious mental illness is just the same. It's just that the chemicals in our brains stopped working for some reason or other. I'm so glad Michael's family could see past their shock, and grief, in order to understand. That takes a lot. That's true family. Without their support like that, he wouldn't have been able to have any chance at a normal life, I don't think.
I personally, have never killed anyone. But I have hurt people. They have always hurt me first though, and badly, before I snapped. Even though the person who was abusing me for so many years, decades, tried to kill me, I didn't do it to them. I just defended myself. That person actually had a heart attack, about six months before that incident, and I did CPR on them, brought them back. Called the ambulance.
I wondered why I did that, for a long time. If I had just let him die, my life would have been better. But, I didn't want to be responsible for his death, even by omission of my own actions. Mental illness does not make you a monster: it just makes you ill. And its very hard, things don't make sense, the world is terrifying, you do not get any rest. Even when you are asleep, you have terrible nightmares. When you are awake, you see, hear and feel awful things.
You always have to be watchful, constantly keeping track of how you feel, what is going on, what is real, and what is not. You're second guessing every thought. "Is that really what is happening? Is it in my head? Are these delusions? Can I trust what I'm hearing and seeing?" It never ends. You want to protect people around you, in case you have an episode, but short of locking yourself alone into your house, there's no real way to be 100% sure. I do not let my condition excuse any of my behaviour. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that I am a lot more watchful of how I treat others, what I do, and say, than your are in the general public.
Many who have mental illness do the same. They don't speak out about it because of the stigma. People judge you, when they don't even know you, what you are struggling against, or what you've had done to you in your life.
People who have never been sick this way think those with severe mental illnesses are something *other,* completely different from "normal" people. We're not. We all have hopes, things we want to do with our life, faults, thoughts, everything that makes up a person. It could happen to anyone: literally anyone. You could be just one accident or traumatic experience away from ending up sick. It could be you, a year down the line. So, trying to judge and segregate people who do have mental illnesses is quite foolish.
But documentaries like this are at least showing us as what we are: people. A bit broken, true, but still people.
😢❤
Wow how articulate you are. I’m severely mentally ill too. I too have never killed anyone but I have hurt people but only if they have hurt me first and I’ve snapped as a result. Thanks for sharing.
BP1 w psychotic features, I relate to this so much, the hyper vigilance you have to maintain is unreal. Thankyou for speaking out 🙌❤️🩹
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for your statements, ❤❤
I worked in a group home and schizophrenia has to be one of the saddest illnesses I’ve ever been around. It can be frightening at times but mostly it’s just plain sad to witness.
Yes it can be frightening but there are also some patients ( believe it or not) that actually enjoy there hallucinations and if on a good medication programme they can live there best life . Obviously compliance is another problem and I do understand the down side regarding medication. Sending you all the very best......
And the meds have terrible sideeffects, too.
@Rosie Makepeace your probably best having a talk with his key worker - if he will let you - and they should be able to help you in accordance to his care plan. It’ would be good to have a number in which you can call Incase he has a psychotic episode and you need help! All those things his key worker should be able to help with, obviously keep an eye out as far as medication is concerned. There are different degrees of his illness, some suffer more than others. You must be a very lovely person to stand by him. It takes a lot of patience and understanding....good luck x
Such compassion from the man from staff for Carol who’s having a bad day. Made me tear up 💗 What an angel 😇 he is!!! Every place needs staff who can show they care while still staying safe.
It would be better if the staff could hug them and hold them when they need it. Humans need physical touch when they are stressed out. I know I do.
@@jasminflower3814 yes I do agree… but I also realize that something like that could definitely be problematic simply due to how things might be taken( like carol saying that male staff member r@ping her). Unfortunately they have to safeguard/protect themselves when it comes to things like that…you know?
@@jasminflower3814 it's EXTREMELY important to keep very clear boundaries in settings like this it's to easy for someone to get confused and staff to get hurt that way
@@beautytryouts Yes you are right, its very sad it has to be that way. Healing touch is so important to some people, I would shrivel up and die if I didn't get it. Thats probably why straight females end up getting a girlfriend in jail as there is no one else to give them that kind healing human touch. I am not talking sexual touch, just kind, caring healing touch like massage, reflexology on the feet, or just stroking some forehead and head to calm them down.
@@Cat-cl7md Yes, I understand how that could happen. Maybe if they did it in a "special" calming room with cameras at all angles but then there still is the problem of the patients falling in love with the staff etc. But still, nothing can happen in a camera monitored room and boundaries would be very clear. I think it would be so beneficial for most of the patients well being. But the way things are these days, with suing etc, it wont happen.
My brother died last year at 55, probably from simple heart failure, but he suffered from the same illness as Michael. I won’t go into his story except to say he was brilliant and talented and funny and then, he was 15, and things just got worse from there. He distanced himself from family, I don’t know why except he had changed so much he probably couldn’t connect with us anymore, nor we with him. He didn’t kill anyone I know of, but at points, he was capable. It’s a very cruel disease.
I did volunteer work with a family in need years ago. Their son was about 15 when he became schizophrenic. Up until then he was a sweet boy, so kind to stray animals , helping them to feel loved. He just became more distant, living in a delusional world. Last i heard he was living on streets. A cruel disease indeed. This was decades ago, i still think of him and pray for him
I was pretty emotional watching this, especially observing that Mike never smiled until the video ended. Take care Mike.
Something I wish everyone realized is that this could be any one of us. Mental illness - and I don't just mean depression - can happen to anyone at any time. Sometimes it's a trauma that triggers it, sometimes it can be genetic and/or environment related. Our brains are extremely complex, and there are endless ways for mental illness to develop. The reality is, none of us are immune to it.
One other important thing that needs to be understood is that people with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder often go off their medication because they're doing well and think they no longer need it. Blaming them for stopping their medication is not only unproductive, it's not realistic. The non-compliance is part of the illness.
Michael's family is quite amazing. Suffering such a loss in such a horrible way, but being able to understand that his illness is what caused his actions, and continuing to show him love and support. 😄
Lovely comment 😊😊😊Hello crystal how are you doing 👋👋👋👋👋👋
@Crystal You are absolutely correct. Any one of us could be in this position.
@Emma Seafrey I'm happy to hear that. I've been taking antidepressants for 20 years, and I know that it's just part of my healthcare. It's no different from the thyroid medication I need because my thyroid doesn't produce properly. Of course I wish that I didn't need to take it, but the reality is, depression runs very heavily on both sides of my family. I started to experience it in my early teens, but didn't understand what it was until I was an adult because it wasn't something that was discussed back then. Like I said before, our brains are very complex. There are a billion things going on in there. Tons of potential for something to not be working correctly. Everyone understands that all of our other organs are vulnerable to illness, why not our brains?
As for why some people stop taking their medication, the reasons differ. When it's antidepressants or anxiety medication, people often do manage to recover and are fine without it. But that's because there are other forms of therapy that can help, and those conditions often are temporary. Schizophrenia and bipolar aren't temporary, and the inability to make good and rational choices is a symptom. Especially with bipolar, thoughts of invincibility can convince the person that they don't need the meds. It's just difficult to get someone with those conditions to understand that the medication is necessary for them to feel better. The other factor is that their medications can often cause them to feel numb or detached, and they don't want that so they stop their meds. It's all a pretty complicated area, but definitely interesting.
Very true I stop taking my meds because I feel great and forget the meds are what make me feel great
@@EazytheNDAcaptain I had to learn that same lesson with antidepressants. I was diagnosed with major depression in 1998, and started taking them at that time. Things got better, and I thought my depression was under control, so I stopped taking them after a couple years. Things started slowly going downhill after that, and after about a year off the antidepressants, I got back on them, and have pretty much been on them ever since. It’s a small price to pay for a better outlook on life. 😊
You can really tell the shame and guilt Michael feels about what he did, to the point he doesn’t really want to be out in the community due to shame of it. And for his family to stand by him really shows their strength and the ability to forgive.
My prayers go out to them
Also I feel for Michael because once the "fog" lifted and he realized what he did, I imagine that it has made his recovery(?) challenging. And while his family still supports him, you can tell that they're struggling to forgive him. Sad.
I believe he DID NOT get to killing her but did beat her up. His mom talked him out of it and forgave him afterwards . His remorse is b/c he did beat her up. She died years after the incident and not as a consequence.
The dad is right that almost all schizophrenics won’t take their medications, then they get very ill. This is why mental facilities are important.
Very true sadly...
When my cousin don't take her meds 😢
@@charzz123 yeah it’s so hard to watch them suffer. They changed the laws in the 1980’s under Reagan so they make committing them harder, and they and their families suffer.
The meds can make them feel numb and it's awful for them. My son hates his meds, so he has to be given injections to keep him med compliant.
@@RaisingMyWildflowers feeling numb is worse than getting violent and potentially killing other people?
For the people suffering with it yes it is worse to feel numb, when they're violent, they're usually going through some sort of psychosis so aren't fully aware of it. They are in their right minds when they take the meds that make them feel numb and thats whats hard for them
I cannot get over how strong and supportive Michael's family is. God bless them all I pray they all receive the support they're giving Michael. Even after what happened. Its hard for people to understand he is not evil. He did not want to do what he done. You can see the pain in his eyes and he will live with that the rest of his life.
My heart truly goes out to Michael and his family. Have you seen the documentary My son killed his sister? Check it out and let me know. There’s a huge difference between Michael who showed remorse and regret and the other guy (I forget his name)
Having worked in a psychiatric hospital I can tell you this is rare. Which makes them all the more extraordinary!
So... someone in the comments said he killed his mom. Where in the documentary does it say that. I must keep missing it
What's the time stamp that explains what he did? I only see it in commenrs
Ok I found it had to keep watching
My ex-husband is schizophrenic. The man doesn't have a violent bone in his body. But it was still very difficult, and although it wasn't the reason for our split, I don't think our issues would have gotten as big as they did if he did not have the illness. It made him so paranoid and distrustful. It was heartbreaking and frustrating. It takes a special kind of person to work with people suffering from such a debilitating disease. Thank you to all of those who help day in and day out.
I absolutely agree with your comments. This documentary is 🎉an eye opener, on EVERY level!.
Pppfftt yea right. You know that's 100% the reason you left him. You left a mentally ill person who you promised to love thick and thin, rich or poor and in SICKNESS and health. Or was the wedding just something you used to dress up and have attention like all women desperately crave?
Tanya. My ex is schizophrenic too. Not a mean, violent bone in his body. Good, kind and caring dad to our kids, but not "full on" if you know what I mean a bit vacant most of time. But when you are living with someone as unstable as that there is a a time you have to leave for your own sanity and preservation of your kids. I do hate it when the MSM and their reporting,. Most ill peoplr are more a dsnger to themseves and not to others.
Being distrustful doesn't mean you are mentally ill. Co mon.
What strikes me most is how desperate the patients are for connection…in that way, regardless of illness, they are not so different from any of us. 😢
I agree, I noticed that as well. My ex was schizophrenic (he’s not dead, just dead to me lol) and while he was immensely abusive to me, I still have a lot of empathy and love for him because of how hard I watched him struggle and try to form connections when everyone around him (rightfully) only saw violence and risk. It was heartbreaking. I tried to stay around for as long as I could and encouraged him to heal but eventually it would’ve turned into a true crime case if I had stayed, tbh. But i still hope he has some friends, in whatever way he can. We all deserve some form of connection with other people.
they’re not different at all we’re all humans and have our own struggles and problems some of us just struggle more that’s how i think about it i mean we’re all different tbh
@@sarvolkskayahow do you handle someone who could be potentially dangerous or violent? Do you think people with schizophrenia are just lonely? I have a family member diagnosed with this disorder and they tend to also think negative of him, he’s dear to me, how would you approach them and help them?
@@sarvolkskaya🙋🏼♀️I’ve been there with multiple relationships. If you can even call them relationships. Sometimes I feel I was held hostage from my first one, age 15-19. You get so immersed in this rollercoaster you think it will never stop and that you should get use to being stuck on the ride and never seeing the earth below again.
No not so different..i raised my mother who was sick..it is a horrible illness. A beautiful mind was the best film on the subject. My mom passed at 95 i spent my life keeping her out of hospitals and worried most of my life the voices would come to me. I did not hace any chilsren for fear.
The family of Michael, who killed his mother, I just can’t imagine their pain. Losing a family member to murder is so difficult, but when the murderer is your own brother or son, that makes it so much more emotional and confusing.
His mom didn’t die. She was comatose but mostly recovered.
@@twindrill2852 Michael did kill his mother that day.
I wish all of them the very best they can get in life. I hope that Michael gets to a point where he can truly believe that what happened was a tragic result of schizophrenia, not malice. I hope he finds peace and happiness in his life. I have so much respect and admiration for his family, they are truly wonderful people.
Michael’s sister is struggling. I hope she is ok
@@cruisepaige I peep that!!
I feel sorry for his mother who's dead now =(
I knew a girl in my freshman year of high school who had this condition. The only person I ever met with it, from what I'm aware. She would wander off during class and have conversations by herself. But she was also so affectionate and loved to give people big hugs. Gosh this is making me so sad, wondering how she's doing and hoping she's okay, since it's been so long.
Only commenting because I was so surprised to read you’ve only met one person with this condition. I bet there are more though. I seem to be a magnet for some reason, been in multiple relationships with those afflicted. They have greatly effected my life. I also unknowingly had a schizophrenic roommate who brutally murdered his parents, but you would have no idea. He was as normal and vanilla as you can get. But I’ve seen too many times how their minds quickly turn on them.
@@Erin31499 oof wow that's crazy, i guess i just haven't been exposed to as many people, you never know who you meet out there, what their eyes have seen
@@Erin31499. Sounds like we both have the same magnetic qualities! I am autistic and have struggled with mental illness, but not schizophrenia. Since my grade school days, I have been close to people who do, though. I think the fact that I am also not normal, whatever that is, and was, relatively, guileless has allowed people to feel safe around me, who didn’t often let their guard down. People thought my best friend, in elementary school, could not speak. They were surprise to find her having lively conversations with me. Then, when they addressed her, she said nothing to them, but she had lots to say to me and I remember her very fondly. My parents thought I might never speak, as well, but when I started, it was complete, correct sentences that came out of my mouth, so they just didn’t worry about it, anymore. 😂. I’m glad many parents have more information about the signs of autism and mental health conditions, today!
The smile at the end ❤ Michaels story absolutely broke my heart!
I hope he goes on to live his best life! 😊
I was born into and grew up in a family where my two oldest siblings were mentally ill for much of their lives. As a child I became fearful and ashamed of them. That has caused me much shame and sorrow throughout my adult life but I always avoided turning my mind to it. Thank you for such a sympathetic, beautiful and real insight into these people's lives. In humanizing mental illness you have done a great service to these men and women and also incidentally to me.
Sorry for your burden
It's erie how similar that's sounds to my upbringing... My sister eventually committed suicide, and I carry a huge weight knowing I was unsupportive and misunderstanding when she needed me... I'll never forgive myself.
@@lizc6393 Please do forgive yourself. Mental illness in those we are close to is a hard thing to shoulder and dying was her decision, not your fault.
I understand. Same story in my family. Its really really draining dealing with a family member who has severe mental illness. That in itself brings huge feelings of guilt. I find my own life hard enough to manage without dealing with my sister. Though i realise how tough her life is. I wish you are your family the best. Its more common than people realise.
This makes me so happy! I work in mental health and the program I work in is actually for those who have experienced their first episode of psychosis. We are a team that helps people get back into some sort of normalcy for them. I love seeing good things happen for those with Schizophrenia!
You are super important!!! Mental health is so important. Something im learning as I get better from grief-depression.
Very interested in ways deal with a loved one whose psychosis from drinking can get abusive I'm trying to figure out how to stay safe and love them.
Michael’s family are fabulous, and I am sure his mother was completely forgiving before she passed. My eyes were filled as his sister told her experience. A good good family, including Michael. A lovely looking chap too. So handsome and such a sad story. God give them all strength and comfort them and his mum x
To all the people in the comments saying the hospital should improve this or that… remember that when you’re whining about paying your taxes.
As a nurse, this video is amazing. I wish there wasn’t an age restriction on this, it’s just full of the reality of mental illness. It shouldn’t be a taboo. Wonderful informative video!
i truly feel bad for Sal Beninato, you can tell he’s really lonely and wants someone to talk to and be his friend and i feel for him honestly and it’s kind of heartbreaking, i hope he’s doing ok💗
Really? He was the worst of the bunch a straight up creep and womanizer he doesn’t even take carol seriously and is taking advantage of all the mentally ill women there not only that but his story is the worst killed his mom over a cigarette… sorry but he has no redeeming qualities for me.
My wife is a forensics nurse at a state mental facility. She deals with the worst of the worst. Murderers, child rapists, stalkers, every terrible crime you can think of, these people are there. Our state doesn't force meds based on the laws here. This place in Canada seems like a resort compared to where my wife works.
This place also doesn’t force meds. I’d imagine many don’t/cant.
Wow. This tore my heart to pieces. What a devastation Michael and his family went through. And are still going through it. That smile at the end had me blubbering like a child. I hope he is still doing as well as he appeared to be while skating.
This should win awards. Truly touches your soul on so many levels. And I just stumbled upon it as a suggested video.
Michael is lucky to have such a supportive family and a system. I have physical disabilities and my family and the system here act like I somehow created this disease to attack my central nervous system while the government would rather I be homeless, go hungry, and die than support someone with so many physical limitations.
Amazes me how terrible people treat other people just because they aren't anything like them.
You’re a wonderful human being. I have aches and pains. I just started getting rheumatoid arthritis. I have to work and it’s hard. I see where you’re coming from. I hope things get better for you. You deserve so much more. You write so bright. I think you can do well in getting educated. Because you write intelligently. I am sorry for your frustration. I am frustrated too. My mom is elderly. I am not so old. I am not ready to retire. My parents didn’t allow me to go to college. There are programs for physically disabled people in helping them get jobs and training. You may have some skills in accounting. If you’re American, there’s hope. I am thinking about getting help as a physically disabled woman. I am middle aged. I may have to go get educated in order that I may be later unable to work a physical job. You’re right. Any disability is hard.
@@laurieberry4814 You are a really wonderful person yourself.
Your comment here is heartwarming and right to the point.
I wish you all the best! I hope you find a way so that your life gets better. You are strong willed, very positive and intelligent and I am sure you will make it.
But you are right having some form of disability is hard: I am fighting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia so I know these things too. And as these illnesses are not seen as "real" illnesses where I live the state doesn't want to give me anything.
But with the help of God we will find a way for us, right?
Well said. I completely understand and can relate completely.
Amen! Thank you for your very REAL comment about not everyone is lucky to have a family that cares! I have unfortunately severe chronic pain that due to the opioid propaganda campaign remains untreated. I am treated like a drug seeking addict by my family who have no clue what chronic pain can do to you. So nothing but judgemental bullshit Why does society feel good when they can put people down? Today's world is full of evil people and family has become meaningless.
@@kimberlybettis8509 I agree with your comment. I wish I was closer to some of my cousins. They act like I don’t exist. Same with my immediate family. I have no friends and they try to manipulate me easily, like I’m a target. For some reason everything has to be a lesson.
I don’t like that the psychologist seemed to downplay the severity of the physical assault the third patient made on his mother. He didn’t just “shake her around by her hair”! ….”an adult doesn’t get a severe brain injury by being shaken.”?
I felt the opposite. I feel like he was trying to convey the severity of it.
Im a little appalled by the lack of concern for his victim at all ,and all the attention and sympathy placed on Michael. I understand he was not in his right mind, but he still brutally murdered his own mother. He should stay locked away permanently because theres a very good chance he may re offend.
It is absolutely possible to get a severe brain injury from having your head violently shaken. Shaken baby syndrome kills infants who are shaken. But it can also happen to an adult, especially a smaller woman, or an elderly woman, being shaken by a man. It's also possible there was additional violence in this situation.
This right here baby!! He was BEATING his mother in the head!!
What an empathic view on all of these human beings, the patients and the staff, as well. Michael‘s family is wonderful and I think his brother put it the right way: „There are two victims here.“
absolutely
what an amazing family Michael has. I have spent time in a psych ward, although not criminal per se. I could not imagine the guilt he suffers being in his, now, right mind - and it's obvious he suffers so. for his family to stand by him and fight for/with him - it just says so much about their character, individually and collectively. I wish everyone who suffered from any sort of mental illness had such a support system. (they also speak so eloquently.)
And he’s not a bad looking guy. Would’ve been somewhat studly
I think they are amazing. I am sure it is hard for all of them, but they are trying.
@@esshor. I thought the same!! So sad ay! 😔
@@esshor. I was wondering if I was the only one that noticed lol. He’s still very attractive in his own strange way, despite what he’s done.
A very sad documentary. Filmed over 18 months, and aired in 2014, so it would be nice to see a recent follow up on those involved. Felt so sad for Michael, the conflicts he feels must be so painful. His family are incredible to support him, even after what his illness made him do.
Ya too sad
@@keithbentley6081 Why do you assume American? As far as I am aware, brekkie is Australian slang. Also, perhaps you should consider phrasing corrections like this in a more supportive (see what I did there?) way if your concern is actually about the English language? Or just realize that you could still clearly understand what they are try to say and spend your time on better things?
@Keith Bentley I am so very sorry that you feel the need to comment on my username, and/or reply content. I feel most distraught that you were so extremely aggrieved by my writings of late. You mention poor American language as the leading cause of your distaste, however I feel it necessary to point out that I am indeed not American. I was dragged up in good old Norven Blighty, speaking the Scottish twangs brung right from the Haggis that roam the mountain edges. The sheep baa'ing along providing me my nursery rhymes, and the Highland Coo's teaching me mah gramma. Alas the American novelist that you so proudly mention was a pipe dream after the local library were fludded by the excess sheeps widdle coming down the mountain in waves. In the end all I can remember from the harsh wilde is from the "Haggis who could".
It's t'internet. I'm reasonably, but not fully, sure that even the Queen, Deity bless her soul, does not speak in Ye Olde English on t'tube.
I shall strive to eat the Oxford Dictionary for my next masterful comment piece, and credit Keith Bentley. I simply leave you with: awa' an' bile yer heid in the nicest way possible, as per the most a Scotswoman can do.
@@keithbentley6081 That's what you took away from this video and comment section? A lot of people use atrocious grammar when commenting online or texting. Most of us are far from being a Steinbeck, and we wouldn't claim to be literary greats. Heck, I'm literally brain damaged.
@@Kats4Brekkie He asked for that verbal thrashing and you accommodated very well!!!🤣🤣🤣❤
I knew the Stewart Family Personally! I went to school with the twins John & Rebecca. Their Mom June worked at our local hospital in Renfrew. This story broke our town but it shows you how things happen. Nice to see how things have turned around for this Family.
Hi I’m from cardinal and was so curious about how their town has felt since this happening do they feel the same as the family do or feel differently?
The daddy looked so happy in the pictures with his wife. You can tell he misses her. It’s so sad that because of his illness, he killed his mother a nurse, who loved and adored him.
I feel so sorry for carol, she’s so clearly had a hard life, a life of everyone abandoning her and letting her down.
She does seem like she truly wants to be well behaved and feels bad for things she has done
She said she didn’t feel loved 😓 I just wanted to reach out & hold her & tell her she is ❤️🩹
@@MissEddieBlueKawaiiKrafts she's not alone.
I feel sorry for her too. When she was talking about waking up early to work. Saying she has to dress her best and stuff. She seems to want to do good.
Do you think she was telling the truth about the Ra*e part?
@@bonnieblueful I don’t think so but maybe at some point in her life, if he did he most likely wouldn’t have reported it. Unfortunately that type of thing does go on in places like this tho & has for years. Sickos pray on the vulnerable knowing they won’t be believed & the worst part is since the perpetrators are an authority figure they can then revoke privileges which makes the victim inclined not to say anything for fear of retaliation
I was assaulted by a male guard in the late 90’s, he hit me in the head & spat on me when I got upset after he exposed himself to me. I remember feeling so helpless & him telling me nobody would come if they heard me scream. All the other guards turned on me after I told everyone what he done too & he never even got in trouble. Instead I had privileges revoked & was locked in a cell not allowed out for 4 days & didn’t get canteen for 2 weeks. Plus my carton of cigarettes (which the guards kept in a locked room so they could dole out a pack at a time) mysteriously went missing. So because I wasn’t allowed canteen I didn’t have cigarettes for 3 weeks because of it & that guard was still allowed to be near me & the other girls like nothing happened. He would give me the most menacing stares whenever he did his rounds & say the most horrible things. You think anyone ever dared to report him for anything after that?! I was only 19 at the time, practically a child… the system is broken 💔😒
My first thought upon watching Carol was childhood trauma. Again and again. It breaks my heart for her esp bc she has such a kind heart that is beyond damaged from abuse and neglect. She just wants to feel loved and be loved back. I hope she is happy ❤
BPD is caused by trauma oh yes. You don't get BPD without childhood neglect/abuse/trauma. I wish this documentary showed her in a more kind and graceful light 💚
I read a comment that is so similar to my in-law’s sad situation I just want to say the mother that kept reminding her schizophrenic son that she loves him and actually got away is beyond lucky. You’re more blessed to say the least. My wife and I received a call from her frantic aunt to come by her house asap. Not knowing why she called in such a manner, we made our way to her apartment that she shares with her adult son.
She informed us that her only child locked all of the deadbolts on doors leading outside (knowing that all windows were welded and reinforced with metal burglar bars) and gather everything flammable he can in a Rubbermaid garbage can and lit everything ablaze while his mother lose massive amounts of blood from a gash (done by him for absolutely no reason)to the upper muscular part of the arm near the armpit joint and socket. We were very confused and perplexed as to how one could think of, let alone, do such a thing to one’s own mother.
He spent a few months in Her Majesty’s Prison and was released in the care of his aunt (the mother’s youngest sister also the aunt of my wife). As time went on, the mom let her motherly instincts blinded her to the point whereas she had her only child, the one that inflicted so much pain and confusion to reside with her once more in another apartment. That, I feel, was, is and will always be the worst decisions she has ever made.
One evening while her only beloved son made stovetop ramen, a schizophrenic episode unlike one he’s ever had before influenced him to pick a unwarranted argument with his mother and in her defense and response stated that she doesn’t have time or strength for arguments that evening and left him to finish his noodles. Went in her room and positioned herself on her knees and prayed.
Her son, in a schizophrenic rage, barged into her bedroom with a hammer and blow after blow mangled and destroyed one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen. (My wife and I) believe he then moved to something with a blade and continue to disfigure, bludgeon and kill his mother in such a way the last time anyone saw her would indeed be the last time they’d see such a beautiful face because a closed casket will most definitely be needed.
I remember the mortician stating that she had little to no tissue left on her face for even the littlest reconstruction. He, and a lot of policemen and other government personnel, has never in their entire careers encountered such evil to commit such an act towards one’s mother. He lifted and carried her body down three flights of stairs and loaded up into her own trunk and called a wrecker company for the vehicle. To this day, he doesn’t remember the episode and swears Christ of the cross he wholeheartedly had nothing to do with killing his mother. Hats off to anyone dealing with such a scary thing on a daily. Hats off to you and peace be with you.
Your comment is so sad and scary. I have a client whose son lives in her basement. He absolutely refuses to even step outside. He was jailed at one time for setting her house on fire, but she brought him back in because he had nowhere to go after release. He's clearly very mentally ill, but she feels trapped.
Omgosh, I'm sorry for your mom in law. How horrible. I read the other comment too and alot of ppl assured her to put her safety first. Sometimes you can't risk your life to save em. It's an illness and needs to be carefully watched and treated professionally. I'm sorry for all the family members and victims that have to deal w this illness too. It's so tragic. Be safe❤ Bless all
What you should take away from this is that mental illness is real, very serious and that those suffering from it need help. If you have friends or family like this, don't throw them away. Be there for them in a way that they can accept and understand.
As a sick person that's been thrown away several times, thank you so much for saying this.
@@lizc6393 it probably comes as no surprise to you that I have a severe, debilitating mental illness. It went undiagnosed for the majority of my life and I only got help after involuntary commital to an institution. My family and friends never lifted a finger even during times when I was clearly not ok. They did not want to admit to themselves that something was wrong and kept saying things like " it is just a phase... You'll get over it". Things went downhill over the years and even though there is no cure, and i cannot have anything resembling a normal life, i did get help and the therapy and medication at least enable me to live. The tragedy is that had there been intervention long ago, things would not have spiralled beyond saving. I would not want anyone to have to go through what I did. That is why I said what I did. If someone close to you behaves strangely, don't wait. Do something about it.
@ssssss@sssss@sssssssssss
I have younger sis. A nurse by profession, and is now a mental institution administrator, she told us, her first few days were terrifying. Many times she handed her resignation letters but were denied. She had two guards.. big muscled black americans when she goes around . She herself is a big lady 5.7 tall weighing 185 kilos for an asian. Altho she worked there for 40 years . She s still doing voluntary works. She misses the mentally sick patients and staff. In this kind of work one needs super human strength spiritually and mentally
You’re younger sister has a great heart as well as a strong one … hope you and her and your family are doing good ❤️
My brother was diagnosed as having Schizophrenia. He was put in the hospital several times. It became worse as he got older. Sad but the voices finally took over as he committed suicide. Thank you for posting this.
Heartbreaking. I’m sorry for your loss
So sorry for ur loss..
@@danieljabillo1768 thank you🤗
@@thatkid9787 thank you🤗
Very sad for you, your family & your brother. It’s cruel what the brain can do to people.
Michael and his family are so inspiring. Such tragic heartache yet his family can see the disease and Michael has put in the work to better himself that it has brought this family together. I wish them all well.
The patient Michael was so brave and smart in understanding his illness. I hope life keeps getting better for him. The other patients also appear to work hard at accepting life while they are at hospital.
It is terrible for people suffering with a “broken” brain. The worst thing is they don’t realise that their thinking & behaviour is abnormal.
I disagree - its worse, if you realize it!
@@painfreesunrise no it's not. Then you have control, full control. Whether you choose to believe it or not. If you're self aware then you'll be fine.
@@painfreesunrise Exactly! But I would ask the believer, why all this is happening, we all, according to your faith, are images of the god. Why those people, who are images of god, are closed up?
@@CannabrannaLammer If it worked like that there would be a lot less mentally ill people in this world
@Jane Smith I have bipolar and have been told I’m the ‘ideal patient’ because of how self aware I am, but that is meant in terms of me recognising the signs of mania, depression is much harder to recognise unless I’m already way in it. My mania untreated completely robs me of who I am and I remember nothing afterwards, but I never resist help and I trust what my fiancé for example says, if he says he’s concerned about me and noticed symptoms in me and thinks I need to be seen by my psych or go in the ward etc, I listen to him and generally comply with treatment even if I’m less aware of what I’m doing. A lot of manic bipolar people apparently aren’t that easy to convince 😅
I worked in a center doing renovation work at the University of Saskatchewan in the 80s. I am still somewhat troubled by the events that I saw take place. The employee's are a special breed of people and I have nothing but the utmost respect for them
I am curious.
What event are you referring to?
Not too impressed by the staff members who laugh off clear violations of what could be helpful to a person's mental health in a facility like that. Quite disgusting for a person in a profession such as this.
I agree with you. I commented above on how ridiculously unprofessional they were. I would never want a loved one in their care.
it’s a tale as old as time. if people are gonna 🦴 they’re gonna 🦴. what legal right would they have to force a couple away from eachother?
i’m trying to see the logic.
Also the clear disdain for the "awful" female patients. If you're a male that murders his mother, you're good, a tragic, sympathetic figure, but if you're a female punching holes in the walls, you're a horrible problem and probably incurable.
Having been on a mixed psychiatric ward like this myself, this is extremely typical. Even if you're a non-violent person who had a normal life but experienced an isolated psychotic incident they treat you like you're a potential criminal.
@dazeyday5699 I thought the same. The men are more violent than the ladies, yet the ladies are the worst patients. Doesn't make any sense. And if i was the lady hearing him say that i would have to disagree, not agree. The ladies seem lovely. Carol is always singing, lol
Yes, I agree, however, the patients weren't present at that time and humour heals. I hear you though 🎉
Just wanted to provide a further update, Michael has recently been given a conditional release and has made great strides in his recovery. His anxiety has improved and now goes out into the community more and more.
What a wonderfully necessary documentary. I'm so grateful I came across this, and thank each one of the people who have given us insight into their lives, struggles, and accomplishments.
Yes I feel the same way. This is so good brings so much understanding and awareness compassion etc it's great wow. Prayers up for all....
It's really dated information. Made in 2012.
My nephew (age 30)was diagnosed with Schizophrenia at age 20. At age 18 he went off to University, and in his first semester tried committing suicide. From then on there was just something so different about him. He wasn't the same person who we had seen growing up. He finally got a diagnosis, and for years was put on many different medications. He's non violent, and has been living on his own, and holds down a job as well as being an artist. He's an absolute sweet man, and seeing some of these people just makes my heart ache for them.
What happens if he gets off his meds?
I got over med last year it was horrible I am not violent just that the murder of my dad really affected me..and we have never found his killers 💔 😔 but am fine now
@@favouredblessed2631 I’m happy you’re doing better❤
@@ambyrgilbert8184 thank you my darling
@@texastea5686He just turned 40 and has never been off his meds. We just attended his art show in San Francisco CA, and every piece exhibited was purchased. He's that talented.
I understand when the brother said “you don’t blame the victim”, “you wouldn’t blame someone with cancer”. Cancer kills the patient, it doesn’t kill/damage others with death. It’s amazing what his family is able to do with forgiveness.
But Michael is not the victim. Hes still living and was not beaten to death. While we can have empathy for his condition, I cannot reconcile his actions. I dont think even he would say he deserves sympathy, he killed someone, his owm mother no less.
@@BunnaySango then you missed the entire point of this video
@@BunnaySango
Then you’re not particularly bright.
If you don’t think living with the guilt of killing your own mother as a teenage boy, when you did not have control of your own actions, victimizes you, then the only explanation is that you’re deeply, irreparably stupid 🤷🏽♀️
Poor Carol, it feels like she is deeply lost in herself and its almost impossible to imagine her coming back to herself, she has tried to create a castle of broken stones to protect her from what ever has gone on. I hope she continues to find moments of joy and connection and remain in a place where staff will see her with compassion and care. I hope karma served up what is deserved to those that messed her up in life.
It'll catch up to them. If not in this life, then the next .