Discuss The Archers here. There's hut construction, new teen arrivals, pastured eggs, pining Pip and other fun Spring-like stories to choose from.

[PseudoBadger]

Maybe if we don't look directly at the other storyline it will disappear?

[Gherkinsmummy]

Is it a real psychiatrist or has Knob paid someone to dress up?

[Boomingmarvellous]

I hope knob isn't doping hellin as its too much like the story of Malcolm Webster who murdered his wife like this and tried with his second to do the same. True story btw.

I don't think knob needs to physical drug hellin, her brain fog is enough to make her permanently confused and tired. Would he?

Would knob risk he unborn son and heir?

[Imbroglio]

Hmmm... we don't know what Helen said to the psych. We only know what Helen told Rob.

[EasyToEatTiger]

They really are plumbing the depths, aren't they. I thought Hellin mentioned cutting the grass. Not clear whether it was day or night, only that Henwee was in bed. Could have been early in the morning. No. Psychiatrists do not necessarily pick up on abuse. They are medical doctors, not psychologists. They read brain scans and hopefully understand a bit of psychopharmacology. Often they don't have much grip on behaviour. Just symptoms and drugs. Rob is safe for now. AAAAggggghhhhh. I'm going to hide behind the sofa now.

[Boomingmarvellous]

I said somewhere Hellin is so brainwashed to believe all knobs crap that she would just repeat it all to a psychiatrist. The psych can only go on whats been said by the client, and we all know 'bullshit in, bullshit out.

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

This just would not happen, no way would any professional psych give a heavily pregnant AD for saying on the first appointment that she's been (basically) a bit moody and forgetful lately (if it were true) and that her eating disorder has reared its head. CBT maybe. And she's just saying she attacked him now is she? Not the fact that he hit her.
So very, very annoying. I'd like to think that she's telling the truth in there but she's not, is she.

[BoreOfWhabylon]

Surely the psychiatrist would have asked about her homelife? The MIL staying indefinitely H giving up work, driving, social life, caring for her child, etc etc?

AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!

[Northernlurker]

It goes on for years, decades for some women. It only seems obvious to us from our position of all-listening witness. Nobody else knows what Helen actually said whilst sleepwalking and what Rob says she said (except Rob)

The psychiatrist has just seen her for the first time and she's seen a woman who feels she is to blame for everything, who has a history of anorexia, a traumatic bereavement and is now displaying signs of depression and severe anxiety. She was never going to be able to get out of Helen that she's being abused because Helen doesn't have that insight. In all probability she will have probed and what will Helen have said? 'oh Rob's so helpful...'

Emotional and physical abuse such as that Helen is suffering, takes away the ability to make choices. It puts the victim in to a state of disconnection with reality. If you or I look at Helen's situation all we see are red flags telling her to get out. What Helen sees is this perfect situation with a man she loves (because she did love him very much) which is now causing her distress but she cannot articulate why. Can't be anything wrong with the perfect situation so there must be something wrong with her and the harder she tries to make it right, the worse it gets.

[enochroot]

He did seem a bit lairy of CBT. He can't coach her through every session.

He's got her convinced she attacked him with no provocation and believing she's ill.
Why hasn't Peggy got someone to give her a lift to Blossom Hill yet. She's not one to stay away when she's told to.

[Gruach]

What game is he playing at?

He wants it established that Helen is a danger to her existing and unborn children. So he can get rid of Henry (for Henry's "safety") and take sole control of his own child. Helen would be cut out of both their lives.

I would be horrified but I've decided not to care any more.

[Toomuchtea]

In my experience of this, the psychiatrists etc are looking for triggers, or any life events which might be causing they way you're behaving. One of these is family etc, so for CAMHS, parents are gently but firmly told they have to stay the waiting room while the psych talks to the child alone. I find it difficult to believe that the psychiatrist here wouldn't have at least tried to explore the possibility of abuse, but I find it only too believable that Helen has convinced herself she is the villain and has parroted the party line - it's me, me, it's all me.

[Boomingmarvellous]

I hate to disagree but a psychiatrist would certainly be able to pick up abuse and underlying issues with anxiety and depression etc. They wouldn't read brain scans (MRI/ECG) that is a neurologist. The do what a psychologist does, but also explore mental illness and treatments.

I agree a psychologist would be better for Hellin because they only delve into the psyche of the patient and look at deviations of normal rather than illness. A busy NHS psychiatrist would be very time limited for Hellin but a psychologist would give her more time. which is probably why knob insists on a psychiatrist.

[recyclingbag]

Rob will be keen for AD because it cements the problem in Helen's head that she is unhinged and needs professional help.

He can also use it to prevent her from breastfeeding whilst making her feel that it's all her fault, so she can't bond with the baby more than him.

CBT is a different kettle of fish though surely. It's all about teaching yourself to think differently. This can't be what rob has in mind at all.

When your husband says this you feel anxious. What can you do to not feel anxious, why do you feel anxious etc.

[SeekEveryEveryKnownHidingPlace]

He sounded very wary of CBT - I don't think she'll be getting that. Just the drugs.

[bakeoffcake]

I think he's getting medical evidence together I order to get her sectioned.

Firstly Henry will be sent away to school then after the baby is born Rob will think he can have the baby to himself.

It won't have crossed his mind that the baby would almost always stay with the mum, even if she was hospitalised.

[Toomuchtea]

Sorry - xposted there with Northernlurker!

I have stuck with this storyline from the beginning but it is now very very difficult to listen to.

[recyclingbag]

Also I don't think CBT is given to people with psychosis, but more for anxiety.

They will have to address the root cause of the anxiety which will have to be 'Rob says I make mistakes'

[Butteredparsnips]

I kept wanting the psych to call Rob back a la Colombo

Still. Not as disturbing as Lynda and Robert on the pasting table

[NaturalBlondeYeahRight]

Agreed that abuse goes on for years- but he did hit her. That's a wake up call even if you are too scared/confused to do anything about it at that time. I don't understand why knob wants professionals involved still. Surely the more secluded the better. Is his outcome to be rearing children as a single parent (and mum?) while working? Most abusive men would be happiest to be in charge of wife/children while he surveys his castle. Full power, no responsibility.

[ColdTeaAgain]

Bloody hell I haven't listened tonight yet, she actually saw a psychiatrist?! Well that was quick

[Toomuchtea]

I don't think he's actually thought the outcome through at all. I don't think there's an endgame in there at all. It's all about controlling the moment.

[lljkk]

I understand the shrink giving pills... it's the stopgap until CBT is available & H. probably presented as very distressed. Shrink can't mind-read, can only go on what H. says.

Remember when Moike was aghast that Roy would fight for parental rights over Phoebe... that's where I am with Knob. Who, especially a man would fight & connive to be sole parent to a newborn (unless Knob is projecting H to be the abusive partner & genuinely thinks she is nuts??... actually, I think that might just be it).

Gosh I know which one of them is nuts. Knob really is the crazy one but at least crazies always unravel.

[Imbroglio]

Maybe the psych meant

Chop the Bollocks off the Titchener

[enochroot]

He wants rid of her now, I think, but wants to keep the kids.

[ColdTeaAgain]

I don't see why Knob would want two kids with no housewife to do all the work for him...single dad just doesn't seem his style. Saying that, Helen isn't allowed to lift a finger anymore. It's all got very weird.