topic Mental health services and tobacco in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 05:23:08 GMT

I have noticed that many people who attend mental health services also smoke tobacco. The fact that these facilities are designated smoke free has no effect and a blind eye is shown to those who smoke.

I am extremely hypersensitive to tobacco and just being close to someone who has smoked in the previous half hour or so can give me a severe migraine. This has been the case when I have tried to get assistance.

It seems that the high level of tobacco smoke will preclude me from availing of mental health services.

Mental health services and tobacco

white knight — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 05:45:33 GMT

Hi bullied

I ptesume that means also that supermarket shopping and many other venues are a no go zone also? Centrelink? Studies prove low income earners smoke more than high incomers.

Ive seen people smoke before entering take away outlets, airports, taxis, buses and the list goes on.

Smoking isnt illegal yet in the outside air only near places of danger eg fuel. So as it stands no one has the power to stop someone smoking before they enter any building/complex including a location of a mental health service.

Tony WK

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 07:07:36 GMT

Yes - it affects me everywhere, I hardly go out anymore.

Smoking is not allowed on any NSW Health Campus but the staff seem to just ignore that and let their clients smoke inside if they want.

Mental health services and tobacco

white knight — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 08:29:15 GMT

Hi Bullied

Thats the problems with minority groups.

Society cayers mainly for the majority.

But I know two people that are reactive to perfume and some women wear perfume that knocks us flat! But can we ban perfume? Nope!

So I'm sorry to say that thete is no remedy with your problem but to rearrange your life to process focumemts by mail....and other methods.

Tony WK

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 09:37:15 GMT

There are no Perfume Free Zones.

Smoke Free zones do exist but they are often ignored. This will prevent me from accessing Mental Health Services. So be it. I don't really need to use them as they are pretty useless anyway.

Mental health services and tobacco

Just Sara — Fri, 21 Jul 2017 12:07:29 GMT

Hey Bullied;

I find this an interesting topic. I smoke and have been trying to find the solution to 'not' for many yrs.

I took it up 5 yrs ago after abstaining for 14 yrs, but since this dreaded MH problem's surfaced, it's harder than ever.

I do empathise with you. I'm sorry you feel disheartened by smokers and how it limits your access to mental health services, as they're better now than any time in history. At least that's in my view; I'm not expecting everyone else to agree.

I'd like to hear more of your story if you're up to venting, as this's a safe place to do so. You seem disillusioned and defeatist which isn't a nice place to be; we've all been there in one way or another.

Anyway, I just thought I'd say 'hi' and give you an opportunity to chat with someone from the other side of the coin.

Kind thoughts...

Sara

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Sat, 22 Jul 2017 10:46:58 GMT

Thanks Sara,

I am having a very hard time of it lately. There are laws which should make safe areas but many smokers just ignore them. A small whiff of their poison and I have a migraine for about 4 hours at least. You try to ask them to not smoke and many will get abusive and some violent. I have been assaulted by one man when I asked his friend to stop smoking in a prohibited area. He apologised and put it out but his mate carried on and then started hurling racist abuse at me. When I objected to that he knocked me out. The police were reluctant to pursue it as he was Aboriginal.

These sort of things make it very hard to do normal things. This coupled with the PTSD and I am not having a very good time of it. Lately I find myself feeling violent urges myself which so far I have been able to control but then I crash down into a deeper depression. It has been causing a spiral down. When I try to access services the smokers make that difficult. This has me wondering if it is really worth carrying on much longer. Lately I have felt very close the the edge quite often. I then beat myself up for being too gutless to actually take that step. I also think that I am likely to stuff it up and then I would end up is a Psych Ward which would be a living hell for me.

Mental health services and tobacco

Just Sara — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 00:31:13 GMT

Dear Bullied; (Could you make up a name like Bob or Fred so I don't have to call you bullied? It's demeaning and you deserve better)

You know, there's masses of info in your post I picked up on; mainly self harm thoughts, PTSD and smoke being a trigger. That's because I care...a lot. I'm also sorry to hear of the incident you mentioned.

You're a courageous man for fronting up on here as you have with a story very individualised and specific. I hear your cries for help hun; I'm no stranger to PTSD and the effects on life. It's an insidious disorder and comes with frightening and disempowering feelings that seem to be in control of us.

I called your response to smoke (migraine) a trigger because it seems this way from my perspective. Headaches and migraines are usually caused thru emotional issues. I have them when I'm confronted with really positive opportunities and/or lack of sleep. The premise is being afraid to back myself up thru fear of consequences. (Feeling out of control)

It took me yrs to work this out and understand what I could do about it. However, that experience gives me insight I can share with others to help them on their way. Is there a past experience that's particularly memorable re a smoke filled room or anything to do with others smoking?

You mentioned anger and pushing it down, then becoming depressed. How well I know this one B. Anger is one of my biggest triggers; I have major anxiety thru fear of what it'll cause. Specifically, conflict that ends with me being targeted down the track without warning.

I've got multiple trauma's in my past, one of which is being bullied in my workplace for 7 yrs. This climaxed in a breakdown that ended my career and ability to work. I contribute many hrs on this forum because it gives my life meaning, purpose and; it's safe.

I hope I've instilled trust that my attempts to support and encourage you are genuine. Please continue engaging with me; you never know, it might end up being the turning point in your life as it has been for me.

Kind thoughts;

Sara (Hug...it sounds like you need one)

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 03:16:01 GMT

The tobacco smoke is not a trigger. It is a physical thing. There is no trauma to do with a smoke filled room etc. It is a major barrier to me getting out of the house and doing anything which is pleasurable. Mental Health facilities seem to be some of the worst places as so many of the clients smoke. I tried raising that with staff there by phone but they said they turn a blind eye to the law being broken as so many of their clients use tobacco for stress relief. So it looks like I am the minority that gets sacrificed.

I was systematically bullied by an individual to the point that I had a breakdown at work which resulted in me being on sick leave for over six months. I engaged and asked for a return to work plan with separation from the bully. The person I spoke with complimented me on being so proactive. Her senior vetoed that plan and said "We will not be dictated to by the likes of him. He will return under our conditions. His sick leave will run out and we will starve him back" That was a direct quote from someone in the meeting who was horrified, but that is what the management is like here. Eventually I did return and settled my claim for 80% of lost wages. The bully had four other victims in our dept of 12. One of the others eventually took his own life. They have moved him from place to place with a trail of other victims in his wake. One eventually took it to court and won. The bully is still there and that victim has gone into early retirement at a huge financial loss.

I eventually escaped to work overseas for a year, which became four years. When I had to return I was under a new manager who was OK. That only lasted a few weeks and the manager changed. This guy is a clever bully. He knows how to do it and keep inside the legislation. The job I had ended and I moved back into a role for my expertise and was away from him, but once again that was only a few weeks and another shuffle meant I was back under the clever bully again. As my symptoms get worse my performance has dropped off and I am now hardly able to do my job anymore. I escape online and keep having terrible fantasies both as nightmares and bad thoughts during the day. Any contact with either bully will set these off. I am spiraling down. I have fought that for so long but now I have succumbed to the inevitable. My physical and mental health are failing and can see that the battle is all but lost.

Mental health services and tobacco

Just Sara — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 05:08:31 GMT

OMG I had no idea! I'm sorry for misinterpreting the smoke thing, but your last post makes it pale in comparison.

I often read of workplace issues on BB, but yours is as close as it gets to my own story it's eerie. People who bring things out in the open aren't popular or treated fairly; mainly because of ill trained or psycho managers and a system that supports them. It fails workers rights dismally.

Do you have regular psychological support? You mention the MH place you visit, but is there an option for private consults? I'm lucky to have a woman who completely gets me. She wrote reports for my previous employer (not to work with someone) as part of my RTW plan, which had them running around like chooks with their heads cut off.

It took 18 months of torturous back and forwards crap, but eventually they moved her. I proved my case but they never put a word of it in writing...therefore it doesn't exist right?

It's no wonder you're having a trial of a time hun. Are you on a mental health/medication plan from your GP? Are there resources close by other than where you've been?

I spent nearly 2 wks in a mental health ward, and it's the best decision I've made since my breakdown. Please don't be scared of that sort of help ok. There's also Lifeline and BeyondBlue for real-time chats when ruminating or thoughts are out of control.

Do you have anyone personal in your life to turn to...family, friends? In my case, trauma really changed me so my family steered clear of me until I settled. It hurt, but I now understand their response. No-one's trained to get the gist of depression or anxiety in loved one's unfortunately.

Stick with me B; I do hope venting on here is positive and keeps you engaged in things other than what's going on in your mind. There's light at the end of the tunnel ok.

Here for you...

Sara

Mental health services and tobacco

white knight — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 09:20:04 GMT

Hi Bullied

If you want to you can put a Christian name at the end of your post. It doesnt have to be yours.

I'll be as brief as I can.

1987, 31yo Working for a lical council my boss ordeted me to give preferential treatment to a politician. I refused. I got panic attack falsely diagnosed as a heart attack. I fought them, I won, in that I kept my dignity in tact. I lost my job...typical kangaroo court situation where they find things to condemn you.

I never returned to that profession. I was never compensated. Australia like anywhere else has corruption, sadly these unjust acts are part of life. In the 80's there was the paddington bear affair and the colour tv affair both where pollies tried to evade paying import tax...to the detriment of custom officers health!

Why I'm highlighting these is that its common, bullying, criminal acts etc.

I went through months of therapy. I was taught how to be more realistic, accept unjust activities as being common and learning how to avoid them for the rest of my life. I was too black and white in a grey world.

By far the biggest learning curve was...to accept that some cruel people, aspects of society and injustices, are not worth punishing myself or my family and friends for. I had to replace those people at the top of my focus, with my loved ones.

There was one more need. To find in life what would make like worth living. I embarked on a new journey, spiritually and real planning for my future.

If this post strikes a cord I ask you to read the first posts of the following threads. Hope they help. Use google

Topic: 30 minutes can change your life- beyondblue

Topic: the balance of your life- beyondblue

Topic: be radical- beyondblue

Topic: so what are their mental illnesses?- beyondblue

Topic: bullying- beyondblue

I'm glad you are here mate.

Tony WK

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 02:17:51 GMT

I do have more to say about this ....

Mental health services and tobacco

Just Sara — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 02:51:00 GMT

Hey B;

I've had a look-see at your other thread and see there's a lot going on with you. I did leave a post a couple of days back, as well as TonyWK. Is there an issue with us talking about our stuff with you? I thought I might give you a better sense of who I am and why I'm here. If it's not helpful...so be it.

You're pissed off; I get it. Do you have anyone to take it out on other than yourself or the forum? It seems not. Having your posts withheld has a purpose bigger than you. It's probably not ideal for you at this time, so then what is?

You've got to understand, if you want to continue posting here, the language you use is more important than anything. You're a creative and intelligent man, why not use that to express yourself better so 'all' your posts get thru?

If you want to butt heads with people, that's fine. Just be aware of 'your' presence here, like those smoking in the area's you're in ok. We too have rules, so breaking them brings consequences; that's a given.

You've called yourself 'Bullied'; it seems though you might be turning the tables. You created this thread to let people know how you feel, so maybe start by being up front and voice your anger in a way that'll get your posts across the divide.

I'm not one to shy away from conflict or rage. I understand and know how crap going on in our heads has to have an outlet. I learned that here on this forum with this amazing community of people. PTSD sucks big time! It comes with responses that seem to take over our sense of self. I of all people can attest to that.

But, if you work at it, life gets better. Have a look at the language I've used and know this post won't be held back. I'm appropriate for the reader including you, yet I've voiced my frustration successfully. It just takes a bit of creativity, restraint and sensitivity.

I'm known around here for saying it like it is. I offer you the opportunity to let loose and have someone to bounce off who's been where you are...I don't scare easily.

I'd appreciate if you spoke 'with' me, not 'at' me. OK?

Sara

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 03:21:01 GMT

Hello Sara,

It seems it is not that language I use but the contents that get them pulled. Talking about subjects which appear in the forum title do not get through.

I have a mild headache today as I am in proximity of a smoker. She goes out each hour and then the smoke comes back on the clothes. I just have to put up with that but it wears me down. I feel like I am close to snapping some days. I hold it in. There is nothing else I can do.

The last two days have been very bad in others ways. I have started something new to try to cope.

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 03:30:12 GMT

I will speak with you.

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 03:33:24 GMT

Not sure how mild it has to be to pass the filter.

How can we talk Sara?

Mental health services and tobacco

Just Sara — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:33:26 GMT

You just speak hun. I'll try to give some suggestions that might help.

Issues that tend to get pulled are about SH (self harm) if they're distressing or explicit. This includes suicide or harming others. Using acronyms helps.

You can imagine reading these if you're in that space and being triggered. It might actually illicit their urges to be acted on. We definitely don't want this.

Other issues are derogatory comments or inflamed argumentative statements that're aimed at causing harm or being disrespectful/intrusive/unsettling for the sake of conflict alone.

We're here to engage, voice our pain or help others; that's it. If posts don't achieve this or are said with aggressive tone, they aren't allowed.

Your first post was great! The one talking about your friend going outside for a smoke was too. I can relate...absolutely. Just talk B...chat amongst ourselves until you feel confident with a 'style' you're happy with.

I hear your distress and frustration...I do. If you think of our posts as energy moving back and forth, it conjures thoughts of what you want from me, what I want from you, and what we have to give each other. Non productive comments break that energy to leave us feeling lost.

If I were to tell you I've been violently raped several times, was SA (sexually abused) by my dad at 11 and feared for it happening to my sisters so I threw myself in their way to save them till I left home, caught my best friend's husband sexually abusing my 2 yr old son, was crushed psychologically by the love of my life rejecting me sexually for 3 yrs and bullied at work until I lost my mind; would you feel empathy or upset that I wasn't listening to you?

You know what? Both is ok. It's just the way you express it. Btw, all these things did happen. (And more) I survived, and continue to strive for 'life'. Helping you is one of those strategies.

I want to get to know you, that's not a crime. It's genuine, so suck it up my friend. Someone like me doesn't come along everyday ya know! Yeah, I know, I'm being a biartch! lol

I'm here...to listen, engage and validate your pain and frustration. Use me...

Sara (Hug)

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:35:47 GMT

No - I do not want anyone to take things out on though when I get assaulted by tobacco smoke when I should be in a safe place I do feel my anger boiling up. I have not done anything yet and do just ask the person politely to stop smoking and point out it is a No Smoking location. I would say about 10% apologise and stop, about 40% will tell you to "Go forth and multiply" and the rest get very verbally and sometimes physically aggressive. I am afraid that one day I will lose it and fight back. That is a real fear I have. It has happened to me once before when I was at school and it frightens me to this day. An incident occurred which hit the tipping point. I struck back and came close to seriously injuring someone who was much larger and more powerful than me. I do not recall what happened I just became aware of me trying to strangle him. I do not know where that point is and how much pressure it takes to go there.

Mental health services and tobacco

Just Sara — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 04:56:54 GMT

Thanks B;

I'm beginning to get the picture. What happened at school was definitely unfortunate. What was the outcome? Were you punished?

I relate to that incident. I hurt a girl at school for picking on my sister. She was a mess and I felt immense guilt. The thing was though, when it happened, the world turned the brightest shade of red and I just continued lashing out at her until I saw blood on my hand. My dr said it was due to pressure build up in my eyes bursting the blood vessels; rage from my home-life.

I swore from then on, I'd never hurt another living soul. What that did though, was inhibit me from standing up for myself when it was needed. I became afraid of my own anger.

It's no wonder you have such huge reactions from smoking. So my question is; Is it the smoke that's more important, or your fear of hurting someone and the consequences?

Please have a good think about this ok. Which one affects you more dramatically?

Sara

Mental health services and tobacco

Bullied — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 05:09:10 GMT

None of the school staff knew it happened. The big bully was so humiliated by the incident he left school a few weeks before the School Certificate. I did not do anything else to him but he had lost his power to intimidate others.

I hate having to spend my time with migraine headaches so often. One exposure will leave me with a headache for four hours or more. Verbal conflict does not worry me too much but I do have a fear of it becoming physical.