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It was great that we were able to coincide our active acknowledgement of the current topical initiative of the Rotary Health Board, namely its "Lift the Lid" campaign and its next few years focus on fund raising to combat mental illness in Australia with a topical and great address by Sandy Jeffs.
Sandy a La Trobe Arts graduate was born in Ballarat. She has personally accommodated schizophrenia, its symptoms and impacts on her since her early 20's. She has clearly more than lived with the condition but as evidenced from her wonderful literary achievements has made it generally take second place to her life and writing career.
Stemming from her first publication in 1993 of the highly successful Poems from the Madhouse in 1993, Sandy has had many other publications. Now she is active as a community educator who speaks to schools, universities and community groups about what it’s like to live with a mental illness. She has gathered prizes for poetry. The theme of her poems and writing has been mainly concerned with madness and domestic violence and the humorous antics of women.
Her address vividly described the various characteristics of schizophrenia which she experiences most days, namely auditory perceptions(voices) in the head, delusions or fixed beliefs no matter how irrational, and other sensory disruptions. Commenting how these can all dis-empower her from connection with the external world Sandy told in a self mocking way of her own techniques to combat them. She sought to construct her life, with minimum stress, lots of sleep and no pressured work. Alas in this context she remarked that she can't shake that gross delusion that Melbourne will soon win an AFL premiership and gave evidence to this by her attire namely a track suit with appropriate Demon markings!
She reflected on society's improved and changing attitudes and handling of individuals with mental illness, but noted that the cause(s) are unknown, aspects of chemical imbalance in the brain, upbringing and genetic background have all been considered elements but with no real certain evidence. Sandy was testament to the fact that society is better integrating those with mental illness and a great inspiration to other sufferers to seek to construct a meaningful and happy life.
Sandy answered questions, many very personally probing, from the audience with directness. She prompted comment from various members with relevant exposure to people with mental illness on the nature of drug therapy(it tends to put individuals into a tolerable but clouded dull existence) and the benefits of community involvement and sustained relationships.
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