"Richard - the bravest heart"

I have had several prolonged periods of serious depresion in my life and sometimes it seems there are no freindly ears to turn to for help, but one way or another I am still alive and trying for a better tommorrow.

I watched the bbc "SECTIONED" on tv twice in the last week and was very much indeared to the young man Richard and his story.

He is the bravest of men I feel, as he happliy opens up to strangers and a camera crew for help and advice. He is so gentle and insigthful I thought, that I have to wish him well.

I feel his use of drink and drugs will not aid his efforts to improve his mentality but they will surely only cloud his mind with strange and negative thoughts, making proffesional medical treatment even more difficult.

It seemed quite obvious to me that he needs help and counselling to address the difficult childhood experiences he had to endure (child sexual abuse and an horrifically violent episode of battery via hot chip fat at the hands of Richards mums then boyfriend).

No real mention of counselling for these events were aired in the programme which i felt was niave to say the least.

I want to wish Richard all the very best, he made me smile and warmed my heart with his cheeky grin and his open manner. I dont smile much these days.

An unhappy childhood never really leaves us does it? but how many people can truely comes to terms with their sad past?

I think a few cuddles along the way or some animal therapy, to give and receive love, should be considered as a valid alternative to hard, addictive anti pshycotic drugs. I know I would prefer this.

Well done again Richard and please stay alive pal, the world would be a duller place without you.