Urgent help: I know of someone who is... - Mental Health Sup...

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Urgent help

BertieBasset11 profile image
6 Replies

I know of someone who is being discharged from a mental hospital and they are petrified, they have tried several times to commit suicide, if they tell the nursing staff at the hospital, surely they can’t discharge them as they have a duty of care for that person?

I need help

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BertieBasset11 profile image
BertieBasset11
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6 Replies

It will have been assessed by the staff on ward and on site mental health doctors, as you mention they have a duty of care, sometimes tough love may come into it as they would have arranged visits on the outside as an out patient . Generally speaking they would prefer your friend to be discharged and care for Her at home.

Sometimes an arrangement may have been arranged for your friend to live in sheltered housing where they can keep an eye on Her.

Hospital can be useful on occasions, however there is an understanding that people can be better watched over in Society. At this time resources are in short supply in Mental Health. That can be another reason to move Her outside. Do you know if the hospital has a day ward she can attend. Another alternative is the patient goes out to some form of work during the day and returns to the hospital ward in the evening ??

BOB

BertieBasset11 profile image
BertieBasset11 in reply to

Thanks Bob

Her husband has left her and taken the children with him, she doesn’t even have a bed at home to sleep, he's also taken several items furniture.

Her last overdose was only a few weeks ago, she disappeared from home and the police were called by her husband, they later found her unconscious in her car.

This time there will be no one in the house to raise the alarm, I live over 4 hours drive from her and I’m very worried about her mental health, she has told me suicide is in her mind, before she had a husband and 3 daughters in her life, now she doesn’t even have that.

The hospital psychiatrist and her community psychiatric nurse are both on leave so she has no one to contact, there’s no one other than myself fighting her corner.

It seems like no one is interested in her.

in reply to BertieBasset11

You could get Her to have words with Her Doctor. Even if Her health team is on holiday you will have people who can take over the case at this difficult time. Does She have A Social Worker She can call. If She is really stuck and lives in the UK she can call NHS Information on Tel 111, they can arrange the Crisis Team to visit her and make an assessment. She could also call the Police they can also remove Her to a A Place Of Safety. She can also consider been readmitted on a Voluntary Section especially if She is frightened or concerned regards Mental Health illness.

It sounds like the overdoses are a cry for help, the real fear may be She overdose the overdose. Did the police have any suggestions or recommendations, like calling out the Police Doctor and associated Crisis Team. ???

BOB

BertieBasset11 profile image
BertieBasset11 in reply to

She has used the crisis team on many occasions and also attended a crisis cafe.

With all due respect, the worst thing you could say to a person that has tried and failed suicide, is that it is a cry for help, I speak from experience.

Beautifulrainbow profile image
Beautifulrainbow in reply to BertieBasset11

I will certainly agree with your comment. Bertiebassett 111 I attempted suicide and failed, and I can assure you it wasn't a, cry for help, it was because I no longer wanted to be here, and still don't. I really hope your dear friend gets all the help she needs, and feels better in herself soon. X

BertieBasset11 profile image
BertieBasset11 in reply to Beautifulrainbow

She has found out today that she will be in hospital indefinitely, I’m hoping we can turn her thoughts around, and with the therapy she needs, we will see her lead a full and ‘normal’ life.

I’m sorry to hear that you still don’t want to be here Beautifulrainbow, I bought my friend a book to help her, Learned Optimism by Martin E. P. Seligman, I managed to read a few pages before I sent it on to her, I was so impressed that a bought a second copy for myself. Although the author uses American history to explain different periods, I still think it is worth reading, perhaps you would benefit by having your own copy?

Take care and thanks for your kind words. X

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