topic What to expect if I present to hospital ED in Depression

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

MumRunner — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 04:34:06 GMT

Hi, I'm just after some advice so that I can understand what to expect. I've been having strong suicidal ideation for at least a month now and also self harming to help when agitated or the thoughts are overwhelming. My counselor referred me to mental health several times and is concerned. I met with a new case manager on Tuesday and she indicated that I needed to consider either medication or hospital or I was very close to the choice being taken out of my hands. I have a huge amount of anxiety regarding medication, so agreed to try hospital. I have 2 weeks holidays now and was hoping I could use this time to get myself back on track without impacting my work. While very worried I was also incredibly relieved that someone else would be responsible for keeping me safe and I would have a break from constantly fighting the urges and thoughts. She then finally let me know Friday night that the program she has wanted to get me into wouldn't accept me as I'm too high risk (they are a sub-acute program) and my issues would be too distressing for others there. So my case worker said she had made an appointment for me for the mental health psych in a month! So I'm too high risk for hospital, so they wont see me for a month. And just Tuesday she told me they are very worried about me but now I'm left to fend for myself for a whole month.

Anyway...I spoke to my original counselor and she has suggested I just present to hospital. I'm really nervous about sitting for hours in emergency. Also, while I have made plans for

suicide they are not immediate though I have been harming, I don't know if they'll admit you through emergency unless you're imminently about to do something if they let you walk back out the hospital doors. Also do I pack a bag in case I'm admitted? Is that weird? It hardly screams desperation if I rock up with my toothbrush and pj's. I'm rational and not out of my mind, I'm just exhausted from constantly fighting this and don't know how much longer I can hold out. My family doesn't really want to find out either. I just need someone to help me.

beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

Jo3 — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 06:59:15 GMT

Hi MumRunner

Although I didn't present myself to hospital, I did call for an ambulance over a year ago for chest pain. But when the paramedics came one of the guys sat next to me and spoke to me about my symptoms. I told him I was sick and tired of going through my depression, anxiety, memories of childhood abuse and his next question was about self harming. He then suggested that they take me to hospital which at first I said no but I was too emotional to make a rational decision. So he decided after talking to my husband that I was to go. He was very caring and stayed with me the whole time. Brought me into hospital, told to wait in waiting room, waited there for 2 hours then a crisis management team officer came out and called me into a room. We spoke for a while about my issues and about self harm and suicide.

After talking to me she realised that I wasn't high risk and after a physical check with another doctor I was free to go.

All I can say is if you are feeling like this, then pls go to the emergency dept and tell them.

I really hope you get to see someone very soon; as you need help.

Hope you can come back here and let us know how you go.

Take care

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

white knight — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 08:00:31 GMT

Hi mumrunner,

Welcome to BB forum and thankyou for your courage in posting your worries.

And worries they are. You really do worry a lot dont you. I wouldnt worry about those things that in the scheme of things are not "worth worrying about". EG toothbrush and PJ's.

If you are admitted the medical staff will supply you with what you need, nearly every need. You should focus on your own health and strength so you can keep yourself in check, so you can make every attempt to remain well.

Worry is non productive. It doesnt do any good for us sufferers. It means the mind is working overtime on matters that it shouldnt be working on.

I sincerely hope you get well. You are worth every effort, you are a wonderful human being. You are unique. Get well soon. WK

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

MumRunner — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 10:47:57 GMT

I'm so confused about what I need, 70% of the time I'm fairly normal - depressed and stressed but functioning, 20% I'm agitated or on the verge of tears and 10% I'm highly agitated, very triggered and fighting with chest pains, shakes etc I use one of the helplines at least once a day. During the 70% of being functional i feel like I'm overreacting and the thought of me needing hospital is ridiculous. During the 10% all I can think of is being in hospital so I can feel safe. I go through each of these phases every day

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

white knight — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:01:13 GMT

Hi again mumrunner,

your analogy of percentage is a good one. It gives us some idea of the level of seriousness of your situation. I suggest you seek medical attention as soon as possible.

We are sufferers of illnesses too and we are a forum. However we are not medically trained.

I really urge you to ring beyond blue through the numbers provided or seek your GP or other medical help. Good luck.

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

MelMummy — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 11:19:34 GMT

Hi Mum Runner,

im so sorry for your pain. I've not been to hospital, but a number of friends have. It's definitely worth a shot I think. Just that bit of a break from our crazy realities, can sometimes give us a bit of rest. I really hope you can get some help soon- whether hospital, GP or specialist. It's a hell of a battle to fight alone. x

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

MumRunner — Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:11:26 GMT

thankyou to those who've taken the time to reply. I've been seeking medical help - gp, counselor, mental health etc and still haven't found a way to move past these thoughts ehich is why i'm at the point of presenting to hospital. I feel like I'm out of options and scared they'llturn me away and then I'll be left with nothing, no hope

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

Mares73 — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 06:54:14 GMT

Dear Mum runner I'm assuming you don't have private health cover? I wish everyone suffering this tragic illness had private cover so you could be admitted quite quickly to a specialist unit & get the help you desperately need. I Once called Beyond Blue support service who put me in touch with my local acute mental health team. They visited me at home for an assessment & I reassured them I felt of at home as my kids kept me going. Had I not been good I'm sure I would have been admitted. Have you had a local team do an assessment? This would be your best option I think as the acute teams operate in all areas & will assess your suitability for hospital. Don't forget there's always an option even at your lowest. Take care & hope to hear how you are. Lve Mares xx

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

MumRunner — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 08:36:49 GMT

I live rurally, the nearest CATT team is 2hrs away. My case worker has basically just left it up to me to present to hospital. I have thoughts of suicide but no current plans to act on them. Self harming though. A lot of pressure at home so would be good to have some time away and get myself sorted. The reality of actually going in though is terrifying, and the thought of being away from my children is very upsetting. Plus the stigma...

beyondblue’s clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

Mares73 — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 02:58:09 GMT

Dear Mum runner im so sorry for delay-i havnt had internet access for a few days. Is it possible to phone the hospital & briefly explain how desperate your feeling & they would hopefully put you thru to the pysch team or a specialist nurse? Are you feeling any diffrent? If your still feeling really low I strongly recommend you call the hospital & tell them how your feeling or ph 000 & explain your desperation & paramedics would probably come & take u in. I've been concerned about you, please get back to us about how you are? Lve Mares x

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

MumRunner — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 07:04:43 GMT

Thanks for asking how I'm going...I spoke to someone about the hospital option and was told to only present if I'm currently unsafe eg have impulses that I feel I'm going to give in to right now. So I don't quite fit that. I had tried to tell myself that I had decided suicide was not an option thinking that would help me focus on getting better and start moving forward. Two nights since then have been bad last night especially so but the danger time i guess you could call it when I'm out of control only lasts a half hour or so...the rest of the time i want to act on my thoughts but am in control enough to know i wont. Seeing my counselor tomorrow but really worried she'll say she can't see me any more because of the level of harm. My case worker is hopeless though, knowing i only have 1 week holiday left she was meant to talk to the psyche about last week but didn't get around to it and now he is on holidays too. I feel very alone in this. My friends have backed off, I'm too high risk for sub acute but not serious enough for acute hospital admission, have huge anxieties over medication so not an option, I don't know what I'm supposed to do, it falls back to me finding enough strength in myself to overcome this and that seems hopeless.

beyondblue's clinically-trained moderators often work offline (invisible to you) on issues relating to suicide or self-harm. At the same time, general supportive comments from the community are encouraged. If you have concerns around suicide or self-harm, please phone our support service on 1300 22 4636.

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

Mares73 — Mon, 14 Jul 2014 01:52:28 GMT

Dear Mum runner I've been thinking of you & wondering how your coping? I'm sorry for delays in responses-i only have a phone to get on the net & it's frustrating as it sometimes won't work. Your situation whilst he'll for you is sadly also a sign of the lack of funding & necessary services for mental health. I live in Sydney & the one time I had to call the acute team it was very obvious that there only concern was if I was immediately ie that day going to take drastic action. I'm fortunate enough to have private health cover so could go to a specialist unit if necessary. But I feel so much for those who don't & it sounds like your in that situation. Are you well enough to get to a GP? There's a list on here of one's who have specialized treatment in depression. I wish I could ease your concerns about medication-they don't change who you are but they do alleviate so many symptoms. Think of it like any illness ie diabetes-you need treatment & without it I don't know how I would of kept going. Can you consider it perhaps as a trial? I'm sure it would help you feel far better than you do now. It's nothing to be ashamed of-im guessing most people here are on or have been on medication-they is worth it if it stops those terrible feelings of wanting to end it all. I really am concerned for you..hope to hear how your going. Lve Mares x

What to expect if I present to hospital ED

AGrace — Mon, 21 Jul 2014 00:34:46 GMT

Hi mumrunner,

I just wanted to check in and see how you are travelling.

Did you end up heading to the hospital? Reading about your thoughts and feelings, I think presenting to hospital is the best option. You can of course call an ambulance and this means you will likely be seen to quicker, and the paramedics will stay with you during your wait. Bare in mind an ambulance trip can be expensive if you are not covered. You can also just present yourself to the emergency department.

Standardly you will be assessed by a Psychologist or Dr and they will help you decide what is the best option. The unhelpful thoughts you are having do need to be addressed, as these can become plans and then actions very quickly if we are not monitored. Is there someone who could take you to the emergency department? No need to worry too much about personal items as these can be supplied.

I hope you will get back to us and let us know your progress.

AGrace