Dr Jane Perera 2020-07-10 Person 5 5 0

Dr Perera has literally changed my life. I was extremely fortunate to come under her care around 6 years ago through the NHS (having already been with the mental health team for 3 years). Initially Dr Perera spent a lot of time really getting to know me and my behaviour patterns to confirm my diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder, thus creating a solid platform to explore potential solutions. Unlike other psychiatrists Dr Perera was able to see past my then substance misuse and recognise it as a function of the disorder. I felt that she REALLY got to know me and before long would take one look at me when I arrived for my appointments and know exactly how I was. She engendered total trust from me and as a result I was always 100% honest with her. By nature I am stubborn and won't listen - Dr Perera is one of the very few people I have ever known that can tell me off and challenge my behaviour without me kicking off in response - my total respect for her meant I would listen, take it all on board and work to adjust my behaviour. She showed great patience as we worked through various medications - I resisted the one that finally worked because it can make you put on weight, but she allowed me try all the others first. I was discharged this week as I finally have a hold on managing my bipolar and have been stable for almost a year - this has taken a long time. I was not always an easy patient, she has steered me through some very chaotic high risk periods, periods where I have behaved like a spoiled child, long periods of deep depression and gently and positively encouraged me as I moved into this current phase of wellbeing. Dr Perera has a multi pronged approach to recovery, she encouraged me to engage with various local services and as a result am now one year sober, practice mindfulness, yoga and meditation on a daily basis and other activities to support my wellbeing. I was sad to say goodbye as she has been critical in my gaining control of this condition which has plagued me since childhood. I dread to think where I would be if I hadn't have met her, I certainly wouldn't be where I am now - feeling well - and the strongest mentally, emotionally and physically I have ever been. Anyone who becomes a patient of Dr Perera should consider themselves extremely lucky. I certainly do.