Henry's Demons
von Patrick Cockburn
Afternoon Drama: Henry’s Demons is a poignant exploration of mental illness, narrated by both Patrick and Henry Cockburn. The story begins on a cold February day when Henry, just two months after his twentieth birthday, nearly drowns in the Newhaven estuary, urged on by voices. Meanwhile, his father, journalist Patrick Cockburn, learns of his son's breakdown and subsequent diagnosis of schizophrenia.
This extraordinary narrative chronicles the eight years following Henry's descent into mental illness, detailing the family's struggle to support him through hospitalizations and the challenges of recovery. With remarkable honesty, Patrick shares the painful journey of his son's transformation from art student to mental patient, while Henry provides a raw account of his experiences with psychosis.
Their intertwined stories reveal the complexities of sanity, madness, and identity, offering a haunting and intimate look at the impact of mental illness on both the individual and their loved ones. This deeply moving account resonates with anyone touched by similar struggles.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.