Glenn: The attitudes of others – Taking ‘many’ medicines (2)
Listen to patients and health professionals speak about their experience with taking multiple medicines.
Glenn
Male
Age at interview: 50
Number of medicines: 6
Cultural background: Anglo-Australian
It was initially difficult for Glenn to be ‘labelled’ with the conditions he has. But they are now a part of his life and they need to be managed, even if that means other people feel uncomfortable.
Initially I was a little bit embarrassed or ashamed of labels that were given, such as bipolar, or you're ADHD and so forth. A bit embarrassed, so I would hide the fact that I was taking them. But in the end I thought, well, no, I am actually going to be taking these for the rest of my life. It is part of me now. Whilst I don't openly do it in front of a roomful of people, if there is a couple of people around then, no, I'm not going to run away and do it. I'll just take them then and there. Most people, I think that I have close contact with, they are aware of my mental health conditions and don't think twice about it.
The Living with multiple medicines project was developed in collaboration with Healthtalk Australia.