Remarkable lives: Laura O’Brien in conversation with Jerome Carson

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to provide a profile of Laura O’Brien.

Design/methodology/approach

Laura provides a short biographical account of her life thus far. She is then interviewed by Jerome. She describes her abusive childhood and the effect this has had on her mental health.

Findings

Despite enduring significant adversity, Laura has completed a Psychology degree, is finishing off a PGCE and hopes to go on to complete a PhD.

Research limitations/implications

There has been increasing interest looking at the effects of childhood abuse on predisposing individuals to adult mental health problems. This case study provides evidence of this linkage.

Practical implications

Patricia Deegan talks about mental health staff having to “hold the care” while the individual struggles with their personal recovery. Laura’s story shows how despite numerous overdoses and admissions, she has been able to battle through. Mental health staff should never give up. There are thousands of “Lauras” out there.

Social implications

How much of Laura’s problems might have been avoided or minimised if there had been better interventions during her troubled childhood years?

Originality/value

Given what she has endured, Laura’s recent career successes have been staggering.

Citation

O'Brien, L. and Carson, J. (2016), "Remarkable lives: Laura O’Brien in conversation with Jerome Carson", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 20 No. 2, pp. 74-79. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-02-2016-0009