The news of man with bipolar being attacked by police has affected me

[Niks85]

Yesterday I turned on the news because I heard that a man struggling with bipolar was attacked by police while being arrested and is now in a coma. It's seriously affected me because I have bipolar and I know what it's like to seek help at hospital and wait longer than 24hours for a bed like this man did. I feel so awful for him it's left me feeling down 😢

[geoff]

Hello Niks, I totally agree with you and find this unacceptable and quite deplorable.

The reaction from his father says it all and if it involved someone close to me, I would be livid, especially with 3 policemen surrounding him.

I hope he can get the help he needs.

Nobody, especially with mental health issues should never be treated this way.

I'm sure now he will get the attention he requires.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Niks85,

We recognise how distressing this news can be and are sorry to hear that it has had such an impact on you. We are glad that you have reached on the forums during this time and hope that our community can assist you with managing your thoughts and feelings today.
 
 If you would like to talk to someone immediately about what you’re experiencing, feel free to check-in with our Support Service at 1300 22 4636/ www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport
 
We’re here to support you – check back in whenever you feel up to it.

[Niks85]

Hi Geoff

Thanks for your reply. This case reminds me of when I was waiting to get help in a hospital in Melbourne. I was treated like dirt. Things need to change. It's so upsetting

[blondguy]

Hello Niks85

Good on you for posting! The officer involved has been suspended (as per the Official VicPol press release) as you may already know. The police have a tough job yet this was concerning to me too. I understand your feelings as its unacceptable use of force

any questions/comments are always welcome Niks85

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Niks85]

Hi Sophie_M

Thanks for your reply. I'm not sure I'm ok after being so well for so many years. This news has rocked me. Not sure how I feel at the moment. It just brings back my own memories with trying to get help anyway I'll be ok. Thanks for your advice

[Niks85]

Thanks blondguy

It's just awful. Brings back some pretty bad memories of when I needed help and didn't get it. Anyway I'll be okay. Glad that cop has been suspended

[blondguy]

No worries Niks85

you are always welcome to post. I used to have chronic anxiety for a long time. It did rattle me as well

my kind thoughts for your well being Niks!

Paul

[Niks85]

Thanks Paul

I'll be fine always am soldiering on. Sorry to hear you went through anxiety hope you doing well these days😊 it's just a tough year

[blondguy]

Thanks Niks

thanks for caring, the anxiety is not as chronic as it used to be...thanks to my super GP with her strong mental health focus. You are spot on....2020 is a tough year. I joined the forums in 2016 after being made redundant and I never thought I would be here as a volunteer now

Great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family Niks. I hope you can stick around the forums...only if you wish to of course 🙂

Paul