What can I do in a crisis?

[C7376283]

I’ve recently experienced a series of mental health crises - usually just extreme low mood but sometimes my anxiety becomes unbearable too. I find it ironic that for someone who absolutely hates hospitals, I’ve found myself there 6 times in the space of a few months - all for things completely avoidable and self inflicted (self harm, overdoses etc). There have been a couple of time where I haven’t physically hurt myself, but have visited A&E as instructed by my mental health team as I’ve been feeling so low that I have little confidence in my ability to keep myself safe.

I find on these occasions, doctors/nurses can be really insensitive. I have been told ‘you don’t want to kill yourself, you’re too young’ as if the two are mutually exclusive. Other times I have found my visits quite degrading and undignified (ie nurses talking openly in front of other patients about how I’m feeling). More recently, when I needed stitches, the nurse said to me ‘you obviously like pain so I assume you don’t need me to numb you’. Anyway, I completely feel for doctors, it must be so difficult to work in that environment while the NHS is being stripped of resources, I do, however think that nurses aren’t adequately trained to deal with people who attend A&E as a result of a mental health crisis.

I have been working with my CPN to agree a new crisis plan and I have said to him that I will not go to A&E again if I am in crisis as the experience leaves me feeling worse. I worry about this though because I don’t have an alternative. I have no idea what I’m going to do if things get that bad again. Does anyone have any ideas? Has anyone else had a similar experience?

As an aside, I have called the Samaritans before but that never seems to work for me - I find that talking about my problems just leaves me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

[Hidden]

The nurses and doctors at my health facility are amazing. Maybe u can try a couple therapy sessions for the anxiety and see a psychiatrist and go more in-depth. In a hospital I imagine it’s very fast paced and that’s why the nurses seem insensitive. Keep in mind they have other patients besides you. My psychologist told me the main thing is to be patient. Also get a health check up to make sure everything is good.

[C7376283 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you x

[Hidden in reply to C7376283]

You’re welcome I hope you’re feeling better!

[Hidden]

Hi I know what you mean about A and E as I have had the same sort of thing happen to me in the past. I would never voluntarily go there again. Have a look at a site called 7 cups of tea. They have lots of volunteer listeners who have had some training who will listen to you and all your problems. Ok it's online only but that might be easier than speaking on the phone to someone. I have contacted them a couple of time and it really made me feel better to pour it all out. Don't mention the word 'suicide' though as they will cut you off straightaway and refer you to crisis lines. x

[C7376283 in reply to Hidden]

Hey - thank you for this. I’m going to have a look x

[Carla_Jane]

Sorry,

I just read this and i am shocked at the way you have been made to feel. I am a nurse, and i do fully understand that the NHS is short staffed and over worked however, there is no excuse to make anyone feel like that, especially when we are bound by a professional body and part of that is respect, dignity, equality, empathy and compassion.

I agree that as an adult nurse, I have no training in Mental Health, what i know is purely from my own Mental Health problems.

I would maybe address this with the Patient Advice Liaison Service (PALS). Not as an individual complaint (unless you wish), but as on overall complaint and what they can do to improve their service.

Xx

[OMGPotatoe]

Anti phchotics can cause anxiety especially when you fist start taking them.

I found myself going to a and e regularly.

Eventually I asked for Valium after I explained my anxiety, I found it very usefull and it prevented a lot of unwanted a and e visits. Just be honest. With your psxhciatrist I'm sure they will help you with your night terrors.

[Phillipaussie]

Hey there, your not alone, you read my mind when it comes to hospitals and crisis.keep reaching out,is all we can do,while you are doing this you are alive.wish I could do more,please treat it like a fishing trip cast far and wide till you find the answers,they out there somewhere.its a selfish me me me world out there,here you will find like minded peeps so stick at it,really bait that hook and cast again you can survive this.hope to have helped in some way,chin up mate.