A Joseph Brant Hospital Story : Craig Brown
“ When I sit and reflect over the past year , I am very appreciative . My goals are back , my life is back , and my dreams are back ,”
Craig Brown found himself in and out of the hospital from October until January .
“ I thought I was having a heart attack because I was so twisted up with my anxiety , and I thought maybe my medication wasn ’ t working ,” said Craig . “ When you see yourself as your enemy , it is the worst feeling in the world , and I wouldn ’ t wish that on anyone .”
During a follow-up appointment in January , Craig was admitted to the inpatient Mental Health Unit for a week . Here , he would be monitored and receive proper treatment .
During that admission and through his treatment , Dr . Viljoen diagnosed Craig with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder . “ For 30 years , I ’ ve battled with anxiety and OCD . To be finally diagnosed with OCD , it gave me relief . It was like the puzzle was put together , and it made sense why I felt the way I did ,” says Craig . “ I ’ ve acted a certain way my whole life , and my anxiety stemmed from not knowing why I felt the way I did .”
Through therapy , he found himself able to manage his mental health properly . “ I worked with my therapist , Neena Malhotra , for many months , and she had a tremendous impact on my life . She taught me techniques to manage and even eliminate some of my symptoms ,” explains Craig . “ Both Dr . Viljoen and Neena have had a significant and positive impact on my life .”
Craig considers himself to be fortunate to be looked after by his team at Joseph Brant Hospital . He remarks on the support he received from the hospital as well as from his employer , co-workers , family , his children , step-children , and wife . “ When I sit and reflect over the past year , I am very appreciative . My goals are back , my life is back , and my dreams are back ,” says Craig , “ If you ’ re struggling with your mental health , know that there are people who want to help you . Tell your doctor , a loved one , or someone you trust .”
8 Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation