Suicidal thoughts led to him being admitted to a psychiatric ward

My head is about to explode

Mr López called in at work to say he was off sick before he lost consciousness.

Communication barriers and impairments in perception

Mr López lost his sight as a result of a brain haemorrhage. In the interview, he explains that he was unable to communicate his loss of sight. Photographs from the acute phase show him in bed with a book – an image that contrasts with his actual perception. This experience highlights the profound discrepancy between external appearance and internal experience. Sensory limitations and communication barriers can be challenging in the early stages of neurological disorders.

Suicidal thoughts led to him being admitted to a psychiatric ward

Mr López was assessed as being at risk of suicide on two occasions during the subacute phase of his illness. The first incident occurred when he attempted to harm himself by cutting his wrist. On the second occasion, he actively sought information about options for assisted dying. In both cases, he was compulsorily admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Looking back, Mr López makes it clear that he never wants to be admitted to a psychiatric ward again.

First meeting with the guide dog

Mr López explains how he came to have a guide dog after losing his sight.

Support with administrative challenges

Mr López receives support with administrative tasks that he has found difficult since his brain injury. These include sorting through the post, filling in forms and completing his tax return. This support enables him to manage important everyday tasks and live independently.

Mr López kept having blackouts on public transport

Due to recurring blackouts (moments of mental absence), Mr López regularly missed his stops on public transport. Through targeted neuropsychological therapy, he learned to navigate public transport independently once again. The therapy mainly consisted of structured computer-based exercises that improved his sense of direction and attention, helping him to feel more confident in his daily life.

Mr López lost his sight permanently – but he learned to walk again

When Mr López arrived at the rehabilitation clinic, he was in a wheelchair. He often felt dizzy and could only remember things for a very short time. The severe dizziness made him feel sick and caused him to vomit. As a result, he lost a lot of weight. During his rehabilitation, he learnt to walk again and to train his memory. Unfortunately, his optic nerve, which had been damaged by the brain haemorrhage, was permanently impaired.

"I don't remember any of that at all"

Mr López has no recollection of the acute phase or of any conversations with the medical staff. He knows about his behaviour and what happened only from what his relatives have told him.

His mother wanted him to draw up a living will.

At his mother’s request, Mr López drew up a living will, as he had already been in a life-threatening situation twice. For him, the living will is a simple form to fill in that provides clarity for his family.

“I have dedicated my life to God”

During the acute phase of his illness, Mr López experienced bouts of panic. In his mind, he prayed incessantly until, suddenly, a sense of calm descended and he felt a connection with God. Since then, he has felt a deep connection to his faith.

"I always ask God first how I should go about it."

Mr López has deep faith in his beliefs. Before making decisions, he asks God for guidance and then decides what is best for him.

Making the impairment visible

Mr López was involved in a road traffic accident due to his visual impairment. He assumed that other people would realise he had a visual impairment. Since the accident, he has always carried a white cane – a white stick used as an aid by people with visual impairments – so that people can see he has poor eyesight.

Acceptance and exercise

Mr López has learnt to accept his situation. This acceptance helps him cope with the fact that his brain injury sometimes leaves him confused. As a result, he is now able to laugh at himself. Exercise is also good for him. He is particularly pleased to have found a trainer who relies on a guide dog himself.

The brain hemorrhage caused damage to the optic nerves

Mr López can only make out outlines – as if looking through frosted glass.

Driving lessons for blind and visually impaired people

Driving has always been a great passion of Mr López’s, and before his accident it was also his profession, which he practised as a transport driver. To regain his confidence behind the wheel following his loss of vision, he took part in a driving course for blind and visually impaired people.

An active daily life and a zest for life

Mr López spends a lot of time out and about with his guide dog every day and describes his daily life as fun. He decided against a supported sheltered workshop as he didn’t enjoy it.