Mental health services advice

[annamarie24]

I had an assessment with my local mental health team a few weeks ago. As a result I was referred to a psychiatrist for medication. However whilst waiting for the appointment, I took an overdose a few days ago. I was admitted to hospital for treatment for the overdose and had to see the mental health team attached to the hospital before discharge. As a result they have contacted the nurse I saw for my assessment and she has contacted me to book an appointment in for a few days time to see her and a psychiatrist.

I’m pretty anxious and is the last thing I want to do at the moment. So just wondering if anyone who has had a similar experience can give any advise on what will happen and specifically answer the below questions ideally:

1. Will the appointment revolve around the overdose and any intent to do it again? Or will they also cover the reasons for the original referral?

2. Who will ask the questions- the nurse I saw for my assessment or the psychiatrist?

3. Any ideas what they’ll ask?

Thanks

[Hidden]

They will be discussing your overdose and the reasons why, and if you have any more intentions to try again. It would seem the two together may be acting as a Crisis Team. Generally they may be a Social Worker making the Crisis Team, representative to make assessments.

Depending on your condition and the situation you find yourself in the appointment may be open ended where eventually you will be referred through to a normal appointment.

Crisis Teams generally prefer not to Section, there are two types of Section Voluntary or involuntary.

They will need assurances you will not try again, remember your safety is their main concern.

BOB

[Missy_D]

Hi Annamarie,

Firstly I hope you are feeling a little more stable and in a better place, you need to take small manageable steps forward to maximise your recovery and getting proper help from your local mental health team is key. From my own personal experience, the psychiatrist will ask most if not all of the questions as they will want to determine if there is an underlying mental health illness so part of the questioning will have been what you may of had before you took the overdose. Certainly the questions will cover the reasons behind why you took an overdose but again it will be necessary to establish risk.

They will be expecting anxiety and nervousness, but to be able to help you they will rely on your honesty and openness. If you feel you might have trouble explaining your emotions try writing things down.

Take care of yourself xxxx