Find Me: Act Two Summary
Act Two of "Find Me" delves deeper into the challenges faced by Verity Taylor and her family as they navigate the complexities of her condition and the inadequacies of the healthcare system. This act provides a more in-depth look at the long-term effects of Verity's behavior on her family and the struggles they face in finding appropriate care.
The act opens with Verity's discharge from the children's psychiatric ward after a year, without a definitive diagnosis. This scene highlights the frustration and uncertainty that often accompanies mental health issues, especially when dealing with complex cases like Verity's.
Highlight: The lack of a clear diagnosis for Verity underscores the challenges in understanding and treating certain mental health conditions, particularly in young people.
A flashback to a Christmas incident provides a stark example of Verity's destructive behavior. She complains about her presents smelling like "old socks," smashes them, and later harms herself with a carving fork. This powerful scene illustrates the severity of Verity's condition and the constant state of crisis her family lives in.
Quote: "They smell of old socks!"
The play then shifts to show the difficulties in finding appropriate care for Verity. A social worker informs Jean that she couldn't find a residential home for the now fourteen-year-old Verity, and the hospital refuses to readmit her, claiming there's nothing wrong with her. This scene exposes the gaps in the mental health care system and the challenges families face in accessing appropriate support.
Vocabulary: Residential home - A facility that provides round-the-clock care for individuals who cannot live independently due to physical or mental health conditions.
Jean's monologue follows, offering a poignant insight into the emotional toll of caring for Verity. This moment allows the audience to connect with Jean's struggles and understand the impact of Verity's condition on the entire family unit.
Edward's repeated attempts to seek help through letters, met with unhelpful responses, further emphasize the family's isolation and the inadequacy of available support systems. This sequence culminates in Jean and Nicky leaving home, a dramatic illustration of how Verity's condition has fractured the family.
Example: The series of letters and responses demonstrates the bureaucratic hurdles and lack of resources families often face when seeking help for mental health issues.
The act concludes with Verity's placement in a halfway house, introducing new characters Tom and Dottie, her carers. This setting provides a new perspective on Verity's condition and her interactions with others. The final scene, where Tom plants tulips and engages Verity's interest, offers a glimmer of hope and connection.
Definition: Halfway house - A transitional living facility designed to help individuals reintegrate into society, often used for those with mental health issues or those leaving institutional care.
Act Two of "Find Me" powerfully portrays the ongoing struggles of Verity and her family, the inadequacies of the mental health care system, and the profound impact of mental health issues on family dynamics. It raises important questions about societal responses to mental health and the support available to families dealing with complex behavioral issues.