-From the private journals of Lasse Purnell, PhD-
This last year has been a most hectic one. Alongside the deterioration of several wings of the asylum that we are only now getting confirmation of future repairs, and that horrid pest infestation that still makes me nauseous, was the new psychosis Mr. Henriksson developed at the start of this year.
I am not doing to ignore the fact that I still harbour guilt over the events that led to his institutionalization. So long did sleepless nights filled with regret haunt me during that time. And still, worries of having made the wrong decision or not trying hard enough lurk in my heart to this day.
Rationally, I cannot blame myself for what happened. I know I was not to blame for what happened. But of course, the mind will always find ways to make excuses. And with this recent development, came again the flood the guilt. Was this my fault? I asked.
So I diligently worked. In between my other patients and the asylum's deteriorating state, I kept going. We collaborated on more intensive therapy, and Simon insisted on another literary creative project. I harboured my concerns, but he pressed on.
I am still somewhat regretful of my application of the term "maladaptive daydreaming." Despite this being cleared as a more understandable series of delusions brought upon by recurring depression, I fear that I projected some of my own anger onto the young man, seeing him descend into what I feared were mere adolescent fantasies and fear of a high-school life denied him.
It took much strength for me to admit I was wrong on that count, especially to him, but even more so for him to work through it all.
Despite everything, Simon is now making a steady recovery. His state is becoming far stable, into one we are familiar with, which has been a tremendous relief for us all.
It is far too early to determine whether this will in any way impact his long-term treatment. But I feel like I am entitled to at least a little bit of hope from all that has happened.
But just as troubles end, new ones begin.
My assistant Marco recently informed me of a new arrival at the women's shelter on the other side of town, and the administration wants me to make a psych evaluation, as staff there are concerned for her mental health.
From what they have given me, it seems they could find no identification on her, there was no ID on her person, only tattered clothes. Her age is of much concern as well, appearing to be in her late teens. Her speech seems disjointed and distracted. She has given us several different names, but they are unsure if any could a clue to who she is, if they bare any relevance at all. I recall the message claiming "Its as if the earth just spat her out."
Troubling. Tomorrow morning I will make my way to the shelter to give an evaluation. At least I know one of my patients has a chance of making progress. Let's hope this is the case tomorrow.
